Gallnøtter

Gallnøtter, also known as gall nuts, are small, edible nuts produced by certain species of oak trees. These nuts are formed in response to the feeding habits of specific insects, particularly the gall wasp. The wasp lays its eggs on the leaves of the oak tree, and the larvae develop inside the leaves, causing them to swell and form a gall. Inside this gall, the wasp larvae feed on the plant tissue, and in turn, the larvae are eaten by various insects, such as the gall midge. The gall midge lays its eggs inside the wasp larvae, and the resulting larvae continue to feed on the wasp larvae, eventually emerging as adult gall midges. These midges then lay their eggs inside the gall, which hatch into larvae that feed on the plant tissue. The larvae eventually pupate and emerge as adult gall midges, completing the life cycle. The gall midges are the ones that produce the gall nuts, which are the edible part of the gall. These nuts are typically small, round, and have a hard shell. They are often used in cooking and baking, and are known for their distinctive flavor and texture. Gallnøtter are a unique and interesting example of a plant-insect mutualism, where both the plant and the insects benefit from their interaction.