Numerous Species:
Quercus Skinneri; Q. ilex; Q. pedunculata; Q. sessliflora, (Durmast Oak);Q. alba (White,or Quebec Oak) ; Q. virens (Live Oak); Q. cerris ( Turkey oak) Q. prinus; L. fagaceae; English Oak; Pedunculate Oak;
Oak grows slowly,but lives long. Fairlop Oak in Hainault Forest measured 36 feet in diameter through its trunk.
Newland Oak in Gloucestershire measured 46 feet.Q.coccifera, or prickly, evergreen Kermes Oak from the mediterranean yields a dye called Turkey Red from within the coccus insect.
England maintains the "Gospel Oak" under the boughs of which The Gospel was traditionally preached. They were traditional border markers for a parish.
False sandalwood is actually an oak called Q. albiceae.
In Europe, Oak has always been held sacred and possessing of magical and religious properties.
water 6.3 %; protein 5.2 %; fat 43 %; carbohydrates 45%; Vitamin C; anthemol; tannins;
leather tanning ; purple dye; black ; Isabella yellow; early use "Red Indian" body paint - from Q. prinus; coffee additive; acorns: hog feed; last-ditch survival flour; tonic; astringent; antiseptic; haemhorrage; gargle for chronic sore throat with relaxed uvula; injection for leucorrhoea; locally for bleeding gums or piles;
Roasted acorns may be used for a coffee sub, but the fresh acorn has a harshly acrid taste.
If you need to eat acorns, shell and wash them for half an hour under running waterto reduce the bitterness , then boil or dry and powder into a flour.
copyright Sue Risk Northdays Image 2004 - 2015