Black Oak Acorns in the Montesinho Natural Park: an estimate of availability and potential for utilisation

Understanding the availability of black oak acorns in the Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal, is essential for developing sustainable forestry value chains. An inventory carried out across 59 plots during two seasons revealed average yields of 109.24 kg/ha in 2022, 95.35 kg/ha in 2023 and 13.2 kg/ha in 2024. The analysis focused on acorns in the final stage of ripening (category h) and those not yet fully ripe (category f), with individual counting and weighing of the husks. The data indicate high potential for the production of acorn flour and gluten-free products, with implications for population retention and sustainable rural development.