hazelnuts

Scientific Name: Corylus avellana

Flavour: Hazelnuts have a rich, nutty flavour with a slightly sweet and buttery taste. They can be enjoyed roasted, raw, or incorporated into various culinary preparations.

Growing Season: Hazelnut trees typically begin to bear nuts in late summer or early autumn. The growing season for hazelnuts extends from spring to early fall, with the nuts maturing and being ready for harvest in late summer.

Native Region: Hazelnut trees are native to Europe, including the British Isles. They can also be found in other temperate regions around the world.

Traditional Recipe: Hazelnut Praline

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hazelnuts, roasted and skins removed

  • 1 cup of granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup of water

  • Optional: Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Spread the hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

  3. Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly.

  4. Place the roasted hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins. Not all the skins will come off, but remove as much as possible.

  5. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.

  6. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sugar syrup to a boil. Continue boiling, without stirring, until the syrup reaches a golden amber color. This may take about 5-7 minutes.

  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the roasted hazelnuts, coating them evenly with the caramelized sugar.

  8. Pour the hazelnut praline mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or onto a silicone mat, spreading it out into a thin layer.

  9. Let the hazelnut praline cool and harden completely.

  10. Once hardened, break the praline into smaller pieces or grind it into a powder using a food processor.

  11. The hazelnut praline can be used as a topping for desserts, ice cream, or incorporated into baked goods for added crunch and flavor.

Health Properties: Hazelnuts are packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber, vitamins E and B, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E. Hazelnuts are known for their potential heart-healthy benefits and may contribute to improved cholesterol levels. As with any food, moderation is key due to their high calorie and fat content.

Growing Technique:

Location: Hazelnut trees prefer well-drained soil and a location with full sun exposure. They can tolerate a range of soil types but thrive in loamy, slightly acidic soil.

Planting: Plant hazelnut trees in early spring or late fall when the soil is workable. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball of the young tree. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the bud union (graft point) is above the soil line.

Pollination: Most hazelnut varieties require cross-pollination from another compatible variety for optimal nut production. Therefore, it is advisable to plant multiple trees or ensure there are compatible varieties nearby.

Maintenance: Keep the soil around the tree consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Pruning: Prune hazelnut trees during the dormant season to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged wood, and promote airflow. Thin out crowded branches to improve light penetration and nut production.

Harvesting: Hazelnuts are ready for harvest when the husks have turned brown and begin to split. Shake the tree gently to release the nuts, or collect fallen nuts from the ground. Remove the husks and allow the nuts to dry further before storing.