![]() This means freezing temperatures have the greatest potential impact on maple seed production during heavy masting years. Also, heavy seed production can overwhelm seed predators which enhances successful maple stand regeneration. It is thought synchronous flowering by wind-pollinated trees enhances the success of pollen finding its way to receptive flowers. As with oaks, sugar maples exhibit synchronous seed "masting" in which all trees in a population produce heavy seed in certain years. However, research has shown there is another important variable that must also be considered. Observations across Ohio in past years seemed to support this perspective with the northern and southern parts of the state experiencing significant differences in seed production after northern areas saw late-spring freezes. However, the successful persistence of the seed to maturity depends upon whether or not freezing temperatures killed the flowers or nascent seed. The thinking was that maples are by nature heavy seed producers. For example, a study published in 2017 in the Canadian Journal of Forest Research found no evidence that precipitation or drought over previous seasons influenced seed production in sugar maples ( Acer saccharum).Īnother hypothesis emerged several years ago linking heavy seed production to the lack of spring freeze events. However, research has failed to provide support for this speculative conjecture. It was once believed that prolific maple seed production is connected to tree stress the theory was that heavy seed production occurred on stressed or dying trees as a last hurrah in support of the species. Of course, once the seeds drop, the resulting maple seedlings become a serious weed issue as they sprout throughout landscapes and in uncovered building gutters. The stunted leaves result from trees shifting energy to support heavy seed production at the expense of leaf expansion which makes "seedy trees" look unhealthy. The dense clusters of samaras are made more apparent because tiny leaves fail to cover-up the seed. Abundant springtime samaras by themselves can draw attention to maple trees, particularly when the seeds mature and turn brown. That's because maples in much of Ohio, as well as Indiana and Kentucky, are producing loads of winged seeds (samaras). Once they are dried grind them into powder and use them as a spice, as flour, or as a soup thickener.Phone calls and e-mail messages to Extension offices from landowners concerned about the health of maples should soon be on the rise. You can use a food dehydrator, drying in the sun on a hot, dry day, or in the oven at a very low temperature. Try drying out the seeds for something totally different. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. You can roast them by placing the seeds on a baking sheet and sprinkle with spices you like. Roast maple tree seeds and eat them as a snack or toss onto a salad or as a garnish on soup. Drain and season with whatever you think you will enjoy (butter and spices). If you feel eating maple seeds raw just doesn’t do it for your taste buds then boil them for about 15 minutes or until soft. Ok, so now you know they’re edible here are a few ideas to get you on your way to enjoying this culinary delight. Better still, the ones that taste bitter, use these for cooking because adding spices can sure make them taste great. Maple tree seeds are similar to acorns the taste can vary from tree-to-tree so trying some from several trees is an option. Some people will eat the seed pod as a trail snack however, many people like to roast or boil them. To eat maple tree seeds you need to remove the wings. (I have not been able to get confirmation, however, all edible seeds contain essential fatty acids, therefore it is assumed that these seeds have some levels of Omega-3, 6 and 9.) As the year progresses they tend to gain a hint of bitterness and by the time winter rolls in, what is left is shriveled and somewhat bitter but make no mistake, they are still edible. Maple tree seeds are edible, contain protein, and can be used as survival food in winter months, however like many wild edibles the best flavours are enjoyed in spring. Even poorly-shaped seeds rotate with ease. ![]() They begin rotating almost from the precise moment they are released from the tree. Maple seeds earned their name as being helicopters because they are amazing auto-rotating helicopters. No matter what you remember them as, they are actually called samaras. These helicopters were also known as “whirlees” or keys. When we were children one of the fond memories many of us share was playing with the maple tree “helicopters”. Winter Survival Food is now available! This full colour booklet shows you how to forage for wild edibles during the lean winter months, giving your body the nutrition it needs to survive. ![]()
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