The Forums at Pittsburgh Permaculture

Exploring the possibilities

1. 

   TroyH
   

   senior admin
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 18

   Does anyone know of any good locations for harvesting Bur or Chestnut Oaks within the city?

   The one man forums continue.

   -Troy
   http://pittsburghpermaculture.org

   Troy Hottle
   http://pittsburghpermaculture.org

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   Claire
   

   new member
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 4

   I dunno, but I would LOVE to try some fresh acorn bread. Troy, let me know if you find some and I'll help gather!

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   Aaron
   

   member
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 11

   Maybe you could ask Tree Pittsburgh if they know of any of the locations of these trees?

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   TroyH
   

   senior admin
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 18

   I have been told of one Chestnut Oak in Allegheny Cemetery, but I really want to check out a bur oak too. My friends had some acorns and the chestnuts were mild enough to eat out of hand without soaking the tannins out, but the red oak's acorns were too bitter.

   Thanks for the suggestion to check with Tree Pittsburgh!

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   TroyH
   

   senior admin
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 18

   I just talked to Erin at the Parks Conservancy and she said there was a huge Bur Oak near the Bartlett Street Shelter in Schenley Park!

   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   Claire
   

   new member
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 4

   Oooh yay! Troy--field trip? When do acorns fall?

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   pa_friendly_guy_here
   

   new member
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 3

   Acorns fall in the fall of the year. The squirrels love them and gather them up quickly. They seem to know from the weight of the acorn if it is a good one or not. Many that they leave behind have been eaten from the inside by a bore or worm. They look good, but the squirrels know from picking them up that they are too light, and no good. If you find a Large Oak you may still find some good acorns on the ground now, or even in the early spring befor they start to sprout. Good Luck with your search.

   Posted 1 year ago #
8. 

   notte
   

   new member
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 2

   Has anyone ever tried any beech nuts in Pittsburgh, say, from the beech trees in Homewood Cemetery and around Squirrel Hill?

   Posted 1 year ago #
9. 

   TroyH
   

   senior admin
   Joined: Feb '11
   Posts: 18

   No, but that sounds great! I live very close to there. Do you have any experience harvesting/processing/cooking or eating beechnuts? Any advice?

   Posted 1 year ago #
10. 

    JakeB
    

    junior member
    Joined: Feb '11
    Posts: 5

    I would be willing to try out processing a batch and sharing the results.

    Posted 1 year ago #
11. 

    Claire
    

    new member
    Joined: Feb '11
    Posts: 4

    According to wikipedia, the beechnut has a "bitter, astringent taste." I bet it would be good diluted a bit, perhaps with another type of flour. JakeB, keep us updated!

    More on beech and food/drink from wikipedia:
    Chips of beech wood are used in the brewing of Budweiser beer as a fining agent. Beech logs are burned to dry the malts used in some German smoked beers, giving the beers their typical flavor. Beech is also used to smoke some cheeses.

    Posted 1 year ago #
12. 

    Aaron
    

    member
    Joined: Feb '11
    Posts: 11

    Wondering if soaking/fermenting would reduce the bitterness.

    Posted 1 year ago #

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