Holm Oak (Quercus ilex ballota)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Quercus ilex ballota is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed of this variety is normally sweet.; The seed is up to 3cm long, it can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.; The seed from some trees contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost.

Habitat & North American Range

Arid places, maquis, woods and hills on limestone. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)