Acorns and oaks are steeped in folklore just about everywhere they grow. There is something old and wise about them. They were (and still are) a food source for Indigenous Americans and were eaten in in the past in Europe as well. They require some prep work, but I love their warm roasted flavor. A number of magical qualities and superstitions are attributed to the acorn. The symbolize good luck, abundance, protection and long life. My favorite bit of folklore is that the acorn symbolizes huge potential in small things and reminds us to be patient. There are 500 species of oak in the world and their acorns (which are their seeds!) all look a little different. I am personally partial to burr oaks for their lovely shaggy caps. Acorns are a staple food for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, opossums, blue jays, badgers, pigs, and even moose. A quintessential sign of fall for us is seeing the squirrels racing around burying acorns all over the place. (And often forgetting where!) They make excellent math manipulatives and crafts, you can even grow an oak tree from an acorn if you are patient.
First Acorn of Fall Charm
Pick up the first acorn you find in the fall and carry it in your pocket all fall and winter. It will bring you luck in the dark months. In the spring plant it as a thanks for its assistance!
Acorn Spice Cake
You can collect and process your own acorns if you want, but I confess I usually just buy “acorn coffee” because it’s so much easier. You can use any spice cake recipe you like for this, I use a gluten free recipe but you can use anything. It tastes like fall!
Ingredients:
- your “go-to” spice cake recipe based on your dietary restrictions (or lack thereof)
- generous 1/4 cup acorn coffee or safely processed acorn flour
Method:
Swap the 1/4 cup of flour for a 1/4 cup of flour in your recipe. (Acorn acts a lot like flour in baking) Add everything else like usual and bake as instructed.
Enjoy!