What is Hazelnut?

Hazelnut is a round nut that comes from a specific set of trees grown around the world.  Some people call hazelnuts filberts or filbert nuts.  Hazelnuts have a brown shell with a brown-colored inside.  They usually have a creamy, but still crunchy texture.  Hazelnuts have an earthy, warm, nutty smell to them.

What Does Hazelnut Taste Like?

Hazelnuts have a distinct, buttery, warm flavor.  They can taste sweet and toasted.

How Do You Eat Hazelnut?

Hazelnuts are eaten raw or cooked, without the shell and usually without the bitter skin.  Hazelnuts are commonly chopped, dry roasted, and found in gourmet chocolates or chocolate spreads.  They may sometimes come in the form of hazelnut flour, candied hazelnuts, hazelnut butter, or even in oil.  Desserts such as truffles, chocolate tarts and tortes, cookies, and cakes frequently use hazelnuts.  Savory dishes, like salads, stuffing, soup, and pasta dishes, sometimes contain hazelnuts.  Hazelnut flavorings, syrups, and creamers are popular additions to coffee and other hot and cold drinks.

Where Can You Buy Hazelnut?

Both shelled and unshelled varieties are sold in grocery stores year-round, but shelled are more popular.  Look for hazelnuts in the nuts and dried fruits aisle of the grocery store, but they may also be in the health food aisle.  Chopped and dry roasted hazelnuts are also located in the nuts and dried fruits aisle of the grocery store.

How Do You Store Hazelnut?

Store shelled hazelnuts in a sealed container for 2-3 months.  Shelled or unshelled hazelnuts can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-6 months.  Both shelled and unshelled hazelnuts can be stored for up to a year in the freezer.

Fun Fact About Hazelnut

Hazelnuts grow in a husk and fall out of the husk when ripe.

Did You Know?

In some cultures, hazelnuts symbolized wisdom or long and happy relationships.

Recipes Using Hazelnuts

Oven Roasted Hazelnuts

Roast hazelnuts to bring out their delicious flavor. Spread hazelnuts out in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. Cool hazelnuts completely and remove the skins if you prefer.

White Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

Upgrade your oatmeal raisin cookie recipe with hazelnuts. Adjust the recipe slightly and fold in chopped hazelnuts. Remove raisins and add in white chocolate chips. Drop cookie dough on a baking sheet and bake until cooked.

Hazelnut Caramel Brownies

Dress up your regular brownie recipe. Prepare brownie batter as directed. Use a spatula to fold in chopped hazelnuts. Pour brownie batter into a baking dish and bake until cooked. Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top.

Chocolate Bark

Create a tasty snack by making chocolate bark. Melt dark chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring often. Add sea salt, hazelnuts, and dried cherries and stir. Spread mixture over a baking sheet and freeze until set. Remove from the freezer and break into pieces.

Upgraded Shortbread Cookies

Bake your favorite shortbread cookie recipe and cool. Prepare bowls of melted white chocolate, melted dark chocolate, chopped pistachios, and chopped hazelnuts. Dip shortbread in melted chocolate, then into the nuts. Allow the chocolate to set before serving the cookies.