Shelled hazelnuts can be enjoyed whole, chopped, or ground.
The hazel tree is said to have spread to Italy, France, and Spain from Asia by way of
ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks and Romans ate hazelnuts. Turkey is the world’s
leading grower of hazelnuts. Other large producers include Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe.
In the United States, Oregon grows the majority of hazelnuts.
Varieties
There are more than 100 varieties of hazel trees, which are related
to birch trees. Certain varieties of hazelnuts are called filberts, which are slightly larger than other hazelnuts.
Buying and storing tips
Hazelnuts are sold shelled and unshelled. Shelled hazelnuts can
become rancid quickly and should be used within a week, refrigerated for up to six months, or
frozen for up to one year. For long-term storage, it’s best to buy unshelled nuts.
Availability
Shelled and unshelled hazelnuts are available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Shelled hazelnuts can be eaten whole, chopped, or ground. They can be
added to cookies, cakes, and other desserts, or used in salads or to make a savory butter to
flavor entrees and side dishes. Like many nuts, roasting hazelnut brings out their flavor.
After roasting, hazelnuts should be rubbed in a cloth while still hot to remove their
skins.
Nutritional Highlights
Hazelnuts, 10 nuts (14g)
Calories: 88
Protein: 2.1g
Carbohydrate: 2.3g
Total Fat: 8.5g
Fiber: 1.3g
Health benefits and concerns
Cancer (Prostate)
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found in many foods. Most, but
not all, studies have found that high dietary or blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid
correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid
are high in almonds, Brazil nuts,
cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts,
peanuts, pecans, pine nuts,
pistachios, and walnuts.
Health benefits and
concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and
seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns
for nuts and seeds for a full description.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
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