The light brown, ovoid to elliptic seed can be 7 - 28mm long and 7 - 15mm wide[270 , 1225 ]. The seed is toasted and eaten[1225 ]. The seed of oaks is usually cooked before eating, though it can also be eaten raw. It can be eaten whole, though it is more commonly dried, then ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread. In some species, especially many of those classified as 'white oaks', the seeds are low in tannins and have a more or less sweet and agreeable flavour. The seed of most species, however, have a very bitter flavour, due especially to the presence of tannins. In these species there are various processes that can remove or at least reduce the amount of these bitter substances (although other water-soluble substances, including some minerals, will also be removed). Tannins are water-soluble and therefore the easiest way to remove or reduce tannin levels is by soaking in water. A few different methods are listed:- A traditional method of preparing the seed was to bury it in boggy ground overwinter and allow the wet soil to gradually leach the tannins. The germinating seed was dug up in the spring when it would have lost most of its astringency and bitterness. Another method was to wrap the seeds in a cloth bag and place them in a stream for several weeks. Drying the seed and grinding it to a powder before soaking speeds up the process. The fastest method is to use hot water, by cooking the powder and changing the water several times until the cooking water is no longer bitter. Alternatively, you can use cold water (which is reported to produce the best quality flour). In this case, you soak the powdered seed in cold water for 12 - 24 hours then discard the water. Repeat this process for a number of times until the soak water is no longer bitter. The roasted seed is used to make coffee[1225 ]. Netleaf oak (Quercus rugosa), a member of the beech family (Fagaceae), produces large acorns that were traditionally used as food in the Southwest. The acorns are light brown to light pink, with nutmeats that appear promising but are high in tannins despite their pale color. Because both the shells and the nutmeats sink in water, leaching to remove tannins can be a challenge, requiring multiple water changes. Once leached, the acorns can be mashed into a nut butter or finely ground into flour. Roasting the leached nutmeat helps drive off moisture and enhances the flavor, though even then the taste is only of average quality compared to the sweeter Gambel oak. Netleaf oak acorns can also be used to make porridge or baked goods, though they require patience and careful processing [2-3].

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The bark is rich in tannins. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhages; as a mouthwash to strengthen the gums and ease toothache; and applied externally to treat cuts, burns etc[1225 ]. The leaves and bark are used together as an infusion to treat muscular pain, coughs etc[1225 ]. Quercus (oak) species are used in the traditional medicine of many cultures, being valued especially for their tannins. Various parts of the plant can be used, most frequently it is the leaves, bark, seeds, seed cups or the galls that are produced as a result of insect damage. A decoction or infusion is astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, styptic and haemostatic. It is taken internally to treat conditions such as acute diarrhea, dysentery and haemorrhages. Externally, it is used as a mouthwash to treat toothache or gum problems and is applied topically as a wash on cuts, burns, various skin problems, haemorrhoids and oral, genital and anal mucosa inflammation[4 ]. Extracts of the plant can be added to ointments and used for the healing of cuts[4 , 1231 ].

The leaves of most species in this genus are more or less rich in tannins. A mulch of the partially decayed leaves can be placed around vulnerable plants in order to repel slugs, snails, grubs etc, and these will in time break down to add humus and nutrients to the soil. Fresh leaves should be used with caution, however, since as these decay they utilize some of the nitrogen in the soil and thus can inhibit plant growth[20 , K ].. Oak galls are excrescences that are sometimes produced in great numbers on the tree and are caused by the activity of the larvae of different insects. The insects live inside these galls, obtaining their nutrient therein. When the insect pupates and leaves, the gall can be used as a rich source of tannin, that can also be used as a dyestuff and is also used by many cultures to make ink[4 , 331 ]. The bark of oak trees is also usually rich in tannins and can be used as a dyestuff and for waterproofing rope[331 , K ]. The wood is a source of pulp for making paper[1225 ]. As a source of wood and lumber the genus Quercus is one of the most important of all groups of trees. We have no further specific information for this species, but in general he timber is noted for its strength, durability, and beauty, and is used everywhere for innumerable purposes, ranging from fuel to railroad ties, construction of buildings and ships, interior trim, flooring, and all grades of furniture. The woods of different species vary as to their physical qualities; some of them are very hard and tough, others are lighter in weight, softer, and less tough[331 ]. The wood is used for fuel[1225 ].

Special Uses