Hazelnuts are a small, yet mighty nut that packs a punch of flavour, nutrition, and versatility. Known for their signature round shape and warm, earthy tones, hazelnuts have been a favourite snack and ingredient for centuries. Let’s crack open everything you need to know about this delicious nut in our In a Nutshell series.
What Are Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts, sometimes called filberts, are the nuts of the hazelnut tree, a deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia. The hazelnut tree produces small, smooth-shelled nuts that grow in clusters, encased in a leafy husk. When harvested, these nuts reveal their creamy, rich interior and characteristic hazelnut colour, ranging from golden brown to deep chestnut.
Hazelnuts can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or incorporated into a wide variety of recipes -from baked goods to beverages. Their distinct flavour is sweet, slightly nutty, and earthy, making them a favourite in kitchens around the world.
Hazelnut History
Hazelnuts have been crunching their way into human diets since the Stone Age. Ancient Greeks and Romans loved them for their taste and even believed they could boost wisdom. Fast forward a few thousand years and hazelnuts are still stealing the show in everything from hazelnut chocolate to creamy hazelnut butter. The hazelnut tree continues to be cultivated worldwide, making sure we never run out of these little power-packed nuts.
Hazelnut Health Benefits
Hazelnuts aren’t just tasty, they’re a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption may support heart health, improve brain function, and provide antioxidant protection. They’re also a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins.
The advantages of hazelnut go beyond taste. Their nutritional profile makes them a heart-healthy, energy-boosting snack. Hazelnuts are naturally gluten-free, low in sugar, and a good plant-based protein source.
Simple Ways to Enjoy Hazelnuts
- Snack straight-up: A handful of hazelnuts is a crunchy, satisfying snack packed with nutrients.
- Sprinkle into meals: Chop or crush hazelnuts to add a nutty crunch to salads, granola, or roasted veggies.
- Blend into smoothies or milk: Toss hazelnuts into your smoothie or make a creamy plant-based milk- perfect for breakfast bowls or lattes.
- Spread the love: Hazelnut butter is creamy and naturally sweet, great on toast, in smoothies, or for baking. Hazelnut spread adds a decadent chocolatey twist to snacks and desserts.
- Indulge in chocolate: Hazelnut chocolate pairs perfectly with cocoa. Whip up some hazelnut chocolate bites for a little nutty indulgence that hits all the sweet spots.
- Bake and cook: Chop, grind, or blend hazelnuts into crunchy cakes , praline, sauces, or crusts for texture, flavour, and that irresistible nutty aroma.
Fun Hazelnuts Facts
- Hazelnuts have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption dating back to the Stone Age.
- The hazelnut colour varies depending on the variety, roasting method, and growing conditions.
- The hazelnut tree is not only valued for its nuts but also for its flexible, lightweight wood used in basketry and furniture.
- Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts, followed closely by Italy.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the shell, blended into hazelnut butter, or indulging in rich hazelnut chocolate, hazelnuts are a delicious, nutritious addition to any diet. From their characteristic hazelnut colour to the impressive hazelnut health benefits, there’s a lot to love about this small but mighty nut.
So next time you reach for a snack or look to elevate a recipe, remember: hazelnuts are versatile, wholesome, and undeniably delicious—truly a nut in a nutshell.
Check out our delicious, Activated Organic Hazelnuts in 120g, 300g and 600g sizes.
