The city of Nanyang, Henan province reports a large number of acorn starch exports to South Korea this past year, valued at nearly $1 million, for an approximate growth of 50 percent year-on-year, according to the local Entry-Exit Inspection Bureau.

The acorns have to go through a shelling, pulping, and milling process to produce the starch, which can be made into pho, glass, and other noodles.

South Koreans use acorn starch a lot for producing tofu.