The versatility of the Beech Tree

The other day when we were looking for a Beech Tree for our Shitake plugs, I did some research on the Beech Tree. I discovered that folks have been using the beechnut as a substitute for coffee, flour, and even pressed for oil. As our property is inundated with Beech Tree's, expect future articles from us as we grind our own flour, roast our own nuts for coffee, and try pressing the nut oil for fuel, and cooking.

One article shows us how to harvest the nuts.

Just spread the blanket/tarp on the forest floor under the tree. Scoop leaves onto the blanket, gather the four corners and shake the blanket well. This will allow the nuts to fall to the surface of the blanket. The leaves can then be removed and the nuts separated from the other chaff of the forest floor. The nuts may also be gleaned by sifting through leaves on the forest floor with the fingers.

Although it is easier to extract the tiny kernels before the nuts lose all of their moisture, the meats of well-dried nuts are more crisp (and perhaps more tasty). Roasting the nuts in an oven or on the top of a wood-burning stove also produces good results.

According to this article on making bread,

Beech nuts should be heated gently until they open, usually after just a few minutes, then the three nuts removed and taken out of the brown casing before being ready to eat.

This article explains,

Roasted then ground, beechnuts can be used as a coffee substitute. Or the roasted nut can be grated as a sprinkle over hot drinks or pies, making a good substitute for fresh-ground nutmeg.