I went for a long walk yesterday down in the Lower Arroyo Seco. I tend to skirt along this area on most of my runs and rides, so I get a view from the rim of the little canyon/big wash but hadn’t actually made it down inside this section for a long time. The goal for the day was to collect some acorns for flour. I figured I’d just walk around for a few blocks and hit the neighborhood oak trees, but I ended up heading to this little corridor of nature where Oak is more prevalent.
I’m not used to walking so far. I think it turned into about eight miles. And I managed to fill all my pockets with acorns (and a few seeds of Datura for my own private spirit garden.) It’s finally cool enough that one can just keep walking and walking without ever getting hot and my running and riding seems to be providing a payoff in endurance for these unexpected jaunts.
When I got back I shelled and chopped the acorns to prepare them for the process of leaching away the tannins. This will likely take a few days of soaking in cold water. I’ve never done this before, but suddenly feel it to be an important activity for anyone living in this area. It’s a great way to connect with the earth and celebrate the acorn bounty of fall. I only collected enough acorns to produce a small amount of flour, but if it turns out okay, I may go back for more. Check out my friend Orchid’s thorough acorn preparation story here.
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2 comments:
If only I have know.
Every late fall, I rake enough acorns to half fill a 30 gallon barrel and take them to the dump.
15 gallons would make a lot ofacorn beer.
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