• Survival expert Scott Sexton highlights acorns as an abundant, nutritious and accessible food source, with over 600 species of oak trees producing edible acorns worldwide. He emphasizes their versatility in creating meals ranging from breakfast cereal to desserts like acorn maple ice cream.
• Sexton provides detailed guidance on identifying oak trees (red vs. white oaks), harvesting acorns and processing them to remove bitter tannins. He introduces a “really fast” method using a blender and straining bag, which preserves nutrients and significantly reduces preparation time compared to traditional methods.
• Sexton demonstrates how to transform acorns into various dishes, including acorn coffee, acorn bread and acorn and deer meat stew. These recipes showcase acorns as a sustainable and flavorful ingredient for both survival scenarios and everyday cooking.
• Beyond survival, Sexton promotes foraging as a way to connect with nature, feed families and prepare for uncertainties. His Facebook group, “A Forager’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse,” fosters a community of foraging enthusiasts.
• Sexton and host Marjory Wildcraft encourage viewers to embrace foraging and wild foods, emphasizing their practicality and sustainability.

In Episode 2 of “Off Grid Survival Skills” by Marjory Wildcraft, survival expert and herbalist Scott Sexton turned heads with an unlikely yet abundant food source: acorns. Sexton shared his passion for foraging and demonstrated how these humble nuts can be transformed into a versatile, nutritious staple for survivalists and food enthusiasts alike. “I eat oak trees,” Sexton quipped at the start of his presentation. “Well, not the whole thing, obviously, just the acorn.”

With over 600 species of oak trees worldwide, Sexton emphasized that every acorn is edible, making them a reliable and accessible food source. “They’re really abundant,” he said. “Oak trees produce more nuts than all other tame and wild nut trees combined.”

Sexton’s presentation was a masterclass in acorn foraging, processing and cooking. He began by explaining how to identify oak trees, distinguishing between red oaks and white oaks. “Red oaks have pointed lobes with bristles, and their acorns take two years to mature,” he explained. “White oaks, on the other hand, have rounded, smooth leaves and produce acorns annually, with lower tannin content, making them easier to process.”

Harvesting acorns is a family affair for Sexton, who enlists his kids to help gather the nuts in the fall. “We rake up the leaves and go over them again to get all those delicious acorns,” he said. For those looking to minimize bending, he recommended using a nut-harvesting tool, a long stick with a wire basket that collects acorns as it rolls along the ground.

Once harvested, Sexton shared his tips for processing acorns, including the float test to separate good nuts from bad. “The acorns that sink are usually good, while the floaters are often bad,” he said. However, he cautioned that the test isn’t foolproof and encouraged foragers to inspect their haul carefully.

Sexton’s “really fast” method of processing acorns is a game-changer

Processing acorns traditionally involves leaching out the tannins, which can be bitter and astringent. Sexton outlined three methods: the slow (cold) method, the fast (hot) method and his own “really fast” method. The slow method involves soaking crushed acorns in water for days or weeks, while the fast method requires boiling them repeatedly. “The hot method is faster but destroys some of the nutrients,” Sexton noted.

His “really fast” method, however, is a game-changer. By blending acorns into a smoothie-like consistency and rinsing them in a straining bag under running water, tannins are removed in just minutes. “It’s ridiculously fast,” he said. “And because we’re not heating the acorns, we retain more nutrients.”

Sexton’s enthusiasm for acorns shines through in his creative recipes. He demonstrated how to make acorn coffee, a caffeine-free alternative that he describes as “tasting like fall.” By roasting ground acorns to a rich, nutty aroma, he creates a warm, earthy beverage that pairs perfectly with cream and sweetener.

For breakfast, Sexton recommends acorn cereal, a hearty dish made with acorn meal, milk and maple syrup. “It’s like oatmeal but with acorns,” he said. Lunch could feature acorn bread, a high-protein loaf made by substituting half the flour in a traditional recipe with acorn flour.

Dinner might include a hearty acorn and deer meat stew, a dish Sexton loves for its symmetry. “The deer eat the acorns, and we eat the deer and the acorns. It’s the circle of life,” he joked. The stew, thickened with acorn meal, is filling and nutritious, perfect for survival scenarios or cozy family meals.

For dessert, Sexton shared recipes for acorn maple shortbread cookies, glazed acorn crumbles and even acorn maple ice cream. “The acorns give the ice cream a great nutty flavor,” he said. “It’s sweet, creamy and perfect for easing people into wild foods.”

Foraging isn’t just for the wilderness

Sexton’s presentation wasn’t just about acorns — it was a celebration of foraging as a lifestyle. “Foraging isn’t just for the wilderness,” he said. “It’s a way to connect with nature, feed your family and prepare for whatever life throws at you.”

Wildcraft echoed Sexton’s enthusiasm. “I’ve never tried the 10-minute method, but I’m going to,” she said. “And the acorn coffee? I need a coffee substitute, so I’m definitely trying that.” As the world grapples with uncertainty, Sexton’s message is clear: acorns are more than just a survival food — they’re a reminder of nature’s abundance. “Whether you’re preparing for the zombie apocalypse or just looking for a new way to enjoy wild foods, acorns are a delicious, nutritious and sustainable choice,” he said.

For those inspired to start their foraging journey, Sexton’s Facebook group, “A Forager’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse,” offers a community of like-minded enthusiasts. As Wildcraft put it, “Scott is so much fun. Join his group, and you too can become a wild forager.”

If you want to learn more about the essential skills Wildcraft has gathered for you, purchase your copy of the “Off Grid Survival Skills” bundle here. You will get a copy of the videos from all 10 episodes, 29 life-saving video bonuses, 21 exclusive eBooks and and a physical copy of Wildcraft’s “The Grow Book System,” which will be delivered directly at your doorstep.

Sources include:

BrightU.com

BrighteonUniversity.com