Hazelnuts

Also known asFilberts · Corylus avellana · 榛子

Name: Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), also called filbert or cobnut. The cobnut is a cultivated English type, and the filbert is a related long-husked variety.

Description

The hazelnut is native to Europe and western Asia, and has been eaten since prehistoric times, with shells found at Stone Age sites. Turkey produces around two-thirds of the world's crop, with Italy, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the United States, mainly Oregon, also growing it. The name filbert is often linked to St Philibert, whose feast day falls in late August when the nuts ripen.

Hazelnuts are famous in confectionery, in gianduja and chocolate-hazelnut spreads, in pralines and in Italian and French pastries, and in liqueurs such as Frangelico. Toasting the nuts and rubbing off the bitter skins brings out a sweet, rich, aromatic flavour.

Main nutrition value

Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and manganese, and provide healthy monounsaturated fat, fibre, copper and folate.

How best to be consumed

Hazelnuts are best toasted, which transforms their flavour.

1. Toast in a dry pan or oven until golden, then rub off the loose skins in a cloth.
2. Eat a small handful as a snack, unsalted.
3. Chop into salads, baking, granola and sauces, or grind into flour.
4. Blend into hazelnut butter or milk.
5. Store in a cool, dry place or fridge, since the oils go rancid.

Overconsumption could cause…

Hazelnuts are healthy in sensible portions.

1. Weight gain from eating large handfuls, since nuts are very energy-dense.
2. Tree nut allergy, which can be severe, so anyone allergic to nuts must avoid them and check labels for cross-contact. Hazelnut allergy is also common in people with birch pollen allergy.
3. Added sugar and fat when eaten mainly as chocolate-hazelnut spread or sweets.
4. Choking in young children, for whom whole nuts are not suitable.

GroupsTree NutsHigh fibreLow sodiumRich in magnesiumRich in potassium

Made intoHazelnut Butter

Related foodsAlmondsBrazil NutsBlack WalnutsPistachiosPine NutsMacadamia Nuts

Wikipedia — Hazelnut, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazelnut