› Near right: A traditional metate (a
sort of mortar) can be used with the
large mano (replaces the pestle) to
grind larger batches of acorns, corn
and other grains.
› Bottom right: An acorn processing class
learns all the steps required to convert
acorns into flour.
› Far right: The last step of the process is to cook
the acorn pancakes on a stone griddle.
‹ Below: These acorns are shown
in a traditional molcajete (mortar)
with a tejolete (pestle) ready to
begin processing.enturies. Select an acorn from a variety whose traits you want to have — either for the quality of the
acorns, or the shade or other factors.
Cautions
You cannot eat the acorns raw, without leaching, because they are so bitter with tannic acid.
Recipes
TONGVA MEMORIES (PANCAKES)
Process your acorn fl our, and mix with an equal measure of whole wheat fl our. If you don’t use wheat,
se another fl our such as amaranth or potato fl our. Add an egg if desired. Add water and mix to create a
onsistency for pancake batter. Cook the pancakes on a buttered hot skillet and serve with butter or jam.
CHRISTOPHER’S ACORN BREAD
1 cup processed acorn fl our
3/4 cup whole wheat fl our (can substitute for a gluten-free fl our, but you might need to experiment).
¼ cup carob fl our
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt (optional)- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- Blend this together and bake in 250 degree (F) oven until done. This can also be cooked in a solar oven.
LINDA’S ACORN PASTA
I learned this recipe from Linda Sheer, who grew up in rural Appalachia. Blend one-half processed acorn
fl our with one-half whole wheat fl our. Add water as needed, and run it through a pasta machine, creat-
ing noodles or whatever sort of pasta you prefer. When cooked, serve with butter or tomato sauce.
About ASG’s Plant Advisor
Christopher Nyerges has been teaching ethnobotany since 1974. He is the author of Guide to Wild Foods
and Useful Plants and other books on the uses of wild plants. Nyerges has contributed many articles
to American Survival Guide on a wide range of topics. He can be reached at WWW.SCHOOLOFSELF-
RELIANCE.COM.
[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 89