Hooray for Hazelnuts

The hazelnut, as it is commonly called in the United States, is also known as the filbert and is of French origin. Through the ages, the hazelnut has held a place in the culinary as well as medicinal worlds for positive effects on coughing, baldness and the common cold.

Hazelnuts are high in vitamin E and low in moisture content, which contributes to their texture, flavor and storage capabilities. Storage at temperatures between 34° and 38°F allows hazelnuts to be kept for up to one year. They should be sealed in containers that will not allow for any cross migration of flavors and odors. The nuts can be frozen, but should be used immediately upon coming to room temperature. Nuts must meet strict USDA standards for size, quantity of imperfection in whole and pieces, character and defect, as well as foreign substances and materials, before they are allowed in the market.

Hazelnuts come in various forms and stages of processing, all of which have found uses in multiple applications, such as snacks, baked goods, confectioneries, entrées, salads, sides, fillings, toppings and soups. In-shell has the longest shelf life and comes ready for cracking or partially cracked for ease of use. The kernels are found as whole natural or roasted, diced, whole and broken pieces, meal, sliced, hazelnut butter, and hazelnut paste. Chopping, grinding and roasting intensify the flavor released from the nut. Hazelnut butter and paste are rich in flavor and protein, and add texture, creaminess and mouthfeel. Hazelnuts add texture (crunchiness), intense flavor and protect moisture levels when used as coatings and crusts for various savory applications. Their richness allows them to stand up to bold flavors and spice components, yet be used for more-subtle additions in other applications and flavor profiles.

Their stability and moisture content present minimal processing and handling concerns. Although, in the storage of packaged and prepared frozen foods, hazelnuts should be packaged in separate pouches or containers to maintain the flavor, odor and texture integrity. Dates for storage should also be maintained to not exceed one year.

Hazelnuts’ value-added appeal allows for aggressive promotion, marketing and price points. Food professionals and processors alike have a versatile ingredient that, with a bit of creativity and imagination, can be used in myriad applications, including sauces for savory dishes.