Hazelnut

Hazel is a nut that produces the common hazel. There are several varieties, but the most common is the wild hazel. The seed of the fruit is the edible part, of a yellowish white, oily and deliciously sweet. The surrounding skin, which is easily removed, it is removed before consumption.


Although it is noteworthy that the hazelnut is a fruit that is used almost all the leaves are fed to cattle, are used in laboratories (along with the crust to produce coagulants) and wood is also used to make objects timber.

The most popular types of hazelnut are:
Hazelnut Filbert, grown in the U.S.,
Hazel Constantinople, Asia Minor and southeastern Europe,
Hazel Reus, Tarragona province, with Designation of Origin.
In the market we find the hazelnut in many ways: with and without shell, peeled or not, whole, chopped or ground, raw, roasted and salted. The only thing to keep in mind is that if we buy hazelnuts in shell, it must not have holes or cracks.

Its use in food, either raw or cooked, is widespread especially for making sauces, salads, appetizers and especially in pastry and confectionery, for making ice cream, biscuits, cakes, chocolates and candies. It also produces hazelnut milk, jelly, butter and oil.

Nutritional value of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts have a high nutritional value, are very beneficial to health and is recommended for daily consumption in small proportions though, since like all nuts are very calorie. Containing proteins, fatty acids (the healthy, monounsaturated), mineral and vitamin E and C.

Therefore, they are recommended as a source of calcium and antioxidants protecting cell aging and degenerative diseases. They help reduce high cholesterol, aid digestion (are rich in fiber) and have anti-inflammatory properties.

To keep in perfect condition hazelnuts, nothing better to keep the shell, but always keep them away from moisture and sunlight and in a tightly closed container.

A curious comment that in Germany, hazelnuts also have special significance, are a symbol of fertility, so they are given to the bride and groom on their wedding night.