Acorns, the nuts produced by oak trees, were an essential food source for many Native American tribes and can be a nutritious and environmentally friendly addition to your diet. Here are 10 steps on how to use acorns for food.

1. Collect acorns: Start by gathering acorns in the fall, when they are ripe and abundant. Look for plump acorns with no wormholes or other signs of infestation.

2. Sort and clean: Sort out cracked or damaged acorns and thoroughly rinse the healthy ones in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Remove the caps: Use a small knife or your fingernails to pry off the tough outer cap from each acorn.

4. Shell the acorns: With a nutcracker or a pair of pliers, crack open the hard shell of each acorn and extract the nutmeat inside.

5. Grind the nutmeats: Use a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle to grind the acorn nutmeats into a coarse meal.

6. Leach the tannins: Soak the ground acorns in cold water for several hours or overnight to remove bitter tannins. Change the water frequently until it runs clear. This process may take anywhere from 1-4 days.

7. Dry the meal: Spread the leached acorn meal in a thin layer on a baking sheet or dehydrator tray, and dry at low heat (around 150°F / 65°C) for several hours until completely dry. This will extend its shelf life.

8. Store in an airtight container: Place your dried acorn meal in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

9. Prepare as you would other nuts: You can use your leached, dried acorn meal as a substitute for other nut meals or flours in baking recipes, such as in bread, cookies, or muffins. You can also roast acorns and enjoy them as a snack, grind them into a nut butter, or add them to granolas or trail mixes.

10. Get creative: Acorns are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Consider incorporating them into unique recipes like acorn pancakes, acorn pesto, or acorn-crusted fish for a delicious, eco-friendly meal.

By following these 10 steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the nutritious benefits of acorns in various recipes while contributing to a sustainable food system.