Bao li (Quercus serrata)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Quercus serrata is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — Highly nutritious.; The seed is about15mm 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 contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost.; Either the whole seed can be used or the seed can be dried and ground it into a powder.

Habitat & North American Range

Deciduous forests below 100 - 2000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)