Chicalaba (Quercus insignis)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Quercus insignis is a deciduous Tree growing to 22 m (72ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and agreeable flavour. — The ovoid to globose seed is 30 - 50mm long and up to 120mm in diameter.; Although we have no specific information for this species, the seeds of all the species of oak are edible - indeed, several species have been used as staple foods, whilst most if not all have been used for food in times of shortage, when better foods were not available.; The seed is usually cooked before eating, though it can also be eaten raw.; It can be eaten whole, though it is more commonly dried, then ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Cloud forest at elevations from 900 - 2,000 metres. (Zone 8)