By Tess Pennington

In a long-lived emergency, our food stores can quickly be depleted. If this occurs, we must rely on our knowledge of native food sources growing wild in our area. One such wild edible is found in great abundance in many parts of the country and is a food source that is long forgotten. We are talking about the acorn.

Acorns can easily serve as an efficient way of pulling together a large amount of food. Many indigenous tribes and groups from around the world have utilized the acorn for its ability to give us nutrition and sustenance. In fact, it is estimated that in some regions of California, where the natives used them, fifty percent of their yearly caloric intake came from the humble acorn.

• Acorns can be used to make a variety of different foods sources ranging from coffee, flour, soup thickeners, alternatives for oatmeal or just eating the nuts as a protein source.
• The vegetable oils in acorns are comparable to olives, corn and soybeans and can be used as a cooking oil or biofuel source.
• The nut meal can be used as animal fodder after the acorns have been shelled and ground.
• The shells can be used as a heat source, garden mulch, or added to the compost pile.
• Acorns are a complete protein and nutrition source.
• Acorns possess many medicinal properties.
• Acorns can be scattered around an area to lure wild game for additional food sources.

Learn more about:

Health Benefits of Acorns

Medicinal Benefits of Acorns

Important Points to Consider When Harvesting Acorns

http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/acorns-nutty-article-may-save-life/