Acorns are nuts produced by oak trees and have been a part of the human diet for centuries.
While they can easily be foraged in the United States, acorns aren’t widely available at grocery stores, so many people aren’t familiar with them.
If you’re feeling curious about what acorns taste like, you’re in the right place!
Acorn Taste
Acorns taste nutty with a hint of sweetness, similar to hazelnut or chestnut, but they can also be quite bitter if they haven’t been leached.
If you’ve never tried acorns before, you may have one of these commonly asked questions:
Do acorns taste good?
We can’t guarantee that everyone will enjoy them, but people who like nuts tend to appreciate the flavor of acorns.
They taste sweet and nutty, much like hazelnuts or chestnuts, but they have a more intense bitter flavor due to their high tannin content (1).
To reduce bitterness and remove tannins, be sure to leach acorns by boiling or soaking them in water before consuming (2).
What does acorn meal taste like?
Acorn meal is made from acorns that have been shelled and leached to reduce tannins, then dried and ground (3).
It tastes similar to other nut flours — nutty and earthy, with a sweetness that increases after roasting.
Because it is gluten-free and grain-free, acorn meal is often used as an alternative to wheat flour in baked goods like bread, pancakes, and muffins.
What does acorn oil taste like?
Acorn oil is made by pressing dried acorns to extract the oil, which has a rich, orange-red color.
Similar to olive oil or walnut oil, acorn oil has a mild earthy, nutty flavor with a hint of bitterness. The exact flavor and color varies, depending on the variety of acorn used to produce the oil.
It can be mixed into salad dressings, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or even used to replace other oils in baked goods.
To preserve its flavor and prevent rancidity, always store acorn oil in the fridge.
What foods pair with acorns?
Acorns pair well with other nuts, dried fruits, and earthy flavors like mushrooms.
They can be used in sweet or savory dishes, and their flavor is versatile enough to complement a wide range of ingredients.
Some recipes that feature acorns include acorn flour pancakes, acorn-crusted meat, and acorn jelly.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a new nut to try, acorns are a great option!
They have a unique flavor that is both nutty and bitter, and they can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
Whether you use them to make acorn flour pancakes or acorn-crusted meat, we hope you enjoy exploring this delicious ingredient.
Want to learn more about acorns?
Check out our in-depth post:
Amy Richter is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Missouri. She is an experienced nutrition writer and medical advisor for Healthline and Medical News Today. Amy is passionate about all things food-related and enjoys translating complex science into easy-to-understand articles.
