![]() There are currently 600 species of oak tree in the world but you can only find 5 of these in the UK and only 2 of these species are native. Oak trees have existed on planet Earth for over 60 million years with individual Oak trees living anywhere from 100 years old to 1000 depending on their species. Throughout human history leached acorns have served as a source of food for many different civilisations and society’s as they were easy to gather and store. Many Native American tribes used to rely on acorns as a staple part of their diet using them to make flour and foods like soup, porridge and bread. This process needs to be completed several times until the water eventually remains clear indicating all the tannins have been removed from the acorn. Humans can only eat acorns after removing the tannins via a process called leaching, this is where the acorns are soaked in water so the tannins bleed from the acorn into the water turning it brown. Tannins reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food and are harmful to humans and animals like dogs, horses and cows. However acorns also contain bitter plant compounds called tannins. Many species of insects and other minibeasts also rely on acorns as a source of food as well as safe and protected egg laying spaces for their young.Īcorns are rich in essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fats as well as vitamins like niacin and minerals like calcium and potassium. However only about one in 10,000 acorns will actually survive to grow into a mature oak tree and in turn these oak trees will only start producing acorns when they reach about 20-50 years old.Īcorns provide a vital source of food for a variety of different wildlife, from mammals like badgers, squirrels, deer, mice, bears and wild pigs to birds like woodpeckers, jays, rooks, pigeons and ducks. ![]() And a single oak tree can produce an incredible 2000 acorns a year and over 10 million acorns in its lifespan. Each acorn contains a single seed (consisting of an oak embryo and a store of food) that is encased in the tough green shell that forms the nut. ![]() Acorns are the wonderful seed bearing, dry fruits produced by oak trees.
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