Ingredients Guide

Hazelnuts, with their subtly sweet and earthy flavour, are a culinary delight enjoyed worldwide. From a simple snack to a key ingredient in desserts and savoury dishes, these versatile nuts offer a wealth of flavour and nutritional benefits. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of hazelnuts, covering their history, cooking techniques, preparation tips, storage guidelines, nutritional information, and more. Get ready to explore the nutty goodness of hazelnuts!

1. History of Hazelnuts:

Hazelnuts, also known as cobnuts or filberts, boast a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been enjoying hazelnuts since the Mesolithic period. They originated in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and spread throughout Europe and Asia. The Romans cultivated them extensively, and they became a staple food source in many cultures. In medieval times, hazelnuts were considered a symbol of fertility and good luck. Today, Turkey remains a leading producer, alongside Italy, the United States, and Spain.

2. Cooking Techniques:

Hazelnuts offer a delightful crunch and flavour, enhancing both sweet and savoury dishes. Here's how to cook them:

How to cook Hazelnuts (General Overview)

Hazelnuts can be eaten raw, but roasting them unlocks their full flavour potential and brings out their delicious aroma. They can also be used in a variety of cooking methods like baking, sautéing, and incorporating into sauces and spreads.

How to prepare Hazelnuts for cooking

Before using hazelnuts, whether raw or cooked, they typically need to be shelled. You can buy them pre-shelled to save time and effort. If shelling yourself, crush the shell gently with a nutcracker or by placing the nut in a folded towel and tapping it with a heavy object like a rolling pin. After shelling, you might want to remove the thin, papery brown skin for a smoother texture and better flavour.

How to roast Hazelnuts

Roasting hazelnuts is a simple process that elevates their flavour. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the skins begin to split and the nuts are fragrant. Check regularly to prevent burning. Once roasted, let them cool slightly before rubbing them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins, if desired.

How to grill Hazelnuts

Grilling isn't a common technique for hazelnuts on its own, but they can be added to a dish on the grill. For example, you could include chopped hazelnuts in a vegetable skewer, or sprinkle roasted hazelnuts over grilled meats or vegetables after cooking.

How to bake Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are a fantastic addition to baked goods. They can be added whole, chopped, or ground into a flour. Incorporate roasted hazelnuts into cakes, cookies, muffins, and breads for added texture and flavour. Try adding them to brownies or shortbread recipes!

How to sauté Hazelnuts

Sautéing hazelnuts isn't as common as roasting or baking, but you can sauté them in a pan with butter or oil over medium heat for a few minutes, until they are lightly toasted. This can be a nice addition to salads or savoury dishes like pasta.

3. Ingredient Preparation:

Proper preparation is key for the best results when using hazelnuts.

How to cut Hazelnuts

To cut hazelnuts, use a sharp knife on a cutting board. You can chop them into various sizes depending on the recipe: roughly chopped, finely chopped, or sliced. Be careful not to cut yourself.

How to peel Hazelnuts

While not essential, peeling hazelnuts can improve their texture and appearance. After roasting, place the warm nuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove the thin, papery skins. Some skins may stubbornly stick; don't worry about removing every single one. For a more thorough peel, blanch the hazelnuts in boiling water for a minute, then rub the skins off.

How to dice Hazelnuts

Dicing hazelnuts involves chopping them into small, evenly sized pieces. Start by roughly chopping the nuts, then use a rocking motion with a sharp knife to refine the size.

How to mince Hazelnuts

Mincing hazelnuts results in very fine pieces, almost a paste. This is usually done after chopping, further reducing the size of the hazelnuts.

4. Storage:

Proper storage ensures hazelnuts stay fresh and flavourful.

How to store Hazelnuts (Short-Term and Long-Term)

• Short-term (up to 1 month): Store shelled hazelnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
• Long-term (up to 1 year): For longer storage, place shelled hazelnuts in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They can also be stored in the fridge for a few months.

How long do Hazelnuts typically last under different storage conditions?

• Room Temperature: 1-2 weeks (shelled)
• Refrigerator: 2-3 months (shelled)
• Freezer: 6-12 months (shelled)

5. Substitutions:

If you're out of hazelnuts or need an alternative, here are some good substitutions:

• Almonds: Offer a similar texture and flavour profile, particularly when roasted.
• Walnuts: Have a slightly more robust flavour, which works well in some recipes.
• Pecans: Provide a sweeter flavour and crunch, especially good in desserts.
• Macadamia Nuts: Rich and buttery, excellent in baking.

6. Nutritional Information:

Hazelnuts are a nutritional powerhouse, offering several health benefits.

Hazelnut nutrition facts (per 28g or approx. 1 ounce)

• Calories: ~176
• Fat: ~17g (mostly healthy fats)
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~5g
• Fibre: ~3g
• Vitamin E: ~21% of the recommended daily intake
• Magnesium: ~11% of the recommended daily intake
• Manganese: ~78% of the recommended daily intake
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1): ~12% of the recommended daily intake
• Copper: ~24% of the recommended daily intake

What are the key health benefits (or allergies and sensitivities) of consuming Hazelnuts?

• Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Antioxidant Properties: High in Vitamin E and other antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.
• Brain Health: Vitamin E and other nutrients may support cognitive function.
• Source of Minerals: Good source of magnesium, manganese, and copper, essential for various bodily functions.
• Allergies: Hazelnut allergies are relatively common. Symptoms can range from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). Cross-reactivity with tree pollen is also possible.

7. Pairing:

Hazelnuts are incredibly versatile and pair well with numerous flavours and ingredients.

What flavors and ingredients go well with Hazelnuts in culinary applications? Provide specific examples.

• Chocolate: A classic pairing, used in cakes, desserts, and spreads (Nutella).
• Coffee: Hazelnut-flavoured coffee is a popular combination.
• Fruit: Pairs well with apples, pears, berries, and citrus fruits.
• Savoury: Complements salads, roasted vegetables, poultry, and pork.
• Cheese: Works beautifully with blue cheese, goat cheese, and brie.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and rosemary enhance hazelnut flavours.

8. Cleaning and Washing:

How to wash Hazelnuts properly to remove dirt and contaminants.

Raw, shelled hazelnuts don't typically require washing. However, if you're using unshelled hazelnuts, it's a good idea to rinse them under cold running water and dry them thoroughly before cracking them open or roasting. Don't soak them for long periods, as they can absorb water and become less crunchy.

9. Ripeness:

How to tell if Hazelnuts are ripe.

Hazelnuts are typically harvested in late summer or early autumn (September to October). They are ripe when they easily detach from their husks and the shells are a light brown colour.

When are Hazelnuts in season?

Hazelnuts are in season from late summer through the autumn months, typically from September to October in the Northern Hemisphere.

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