The Beech tree grows in temperate regions throughout the world, and generally prefers forests. It is commonly found in the eastern United States, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In addition, Beech relatives are found in Chile, New Guinea, and New Zealand.
Beech trees are large, symmetrical forest trees that have smooth, light-gray bark and dark green foliage. The most distinguishing features are the bark, the female flowers borne in pairs and the male catkins in the spring and early summer, and the clusters of prickly seedpods in the fall. The leaves of beech trees are elliptical, entirely or sparsely toothed, around 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Beachnut Leaves
The fruit of the beech, also called “Beechnuts” and “mast”, are found in the small burrs that drop from tree in autumn. They are small and triangular, are edible though sometimes bitter, have a sweet taste and are highly nutritious. Because of the high oil content, the Beechnut is an extremely useful survival food.
Another use for the Beechnut is as a coffee substitute. Roast them so that the kernel becomes golden brown and quite hard. Then pulverize the kernel and, after boiling or steeping in hot water, you will have a reasonable coffee substitute.
Beechnut
Beechnut Pod
Beech trees are large, symmetrical forest trees that have smooth, light-gray bark and dark green foliage. The most distinguishing features are the bark, the female flowers borne in pairs and the male catkins in the spring and early summer, and the clusters of prickly seedpods in the fall. The leaves of beech trees are elliptical, entirely or sparsely toothed, around 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Beachnut Leaves
Another use for the Beechnut is as a coffee substitute. Roast them so that the kernel becomes golden brown and quite hard. Then pulverize the kernel and, after boiling or steeping in hot water, you will have a reasonable coffee substitute.