Chinese Cork Oak (Quercus variabilis)

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

Quercus variabilis is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April, 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

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — Very nutritious, but it needs to be leached.; The seed is up to 2cm 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed woods, occasionally in pure stands, 800 - 1600 metres in W. China. Evergreen and deciduous forests below 3000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)