Hazelnuts

A Story About Hazelnuts—The Unexpected Secret to Deliciousness

I still remember the first time I truly appreciated hazelnuts. It wasn’t in a fancy dessert or a gourmet dish, but in my grandmother’s tiny kitchen, where the smell of roasted hazelnuts filled the air. She handed me a warm handful, still slightly crunchy, their natural oils glistening under the light. “These,” she said with a smile, “are magic.”

At the time, I didn’t understand what she meant. But as I bit into one, the nutty, slightly sweet flavor exploded in my mouth, making me realize why hazelnuts were a secret ingredient in some of the world’s most loved treats. From then on, I was hooked.

Hazelnuts are more than just a tasty snack. They’re packed with nutrients, incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and offer surprising health benefits. But like anything good, they come with challenges—bitterness, storage issues, and allergies. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hazelnuts, from their benefits to mouthwatering recipes and solutions to common problems.

What Are Hazelnuts? A Brief Overview

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, come from the Corylus tree and have been enjoyed for thousands of years. They are small, round nuts with a hard shell and a deliciously rich, nutty flavor. Popular in everything from chocolate spreads to savory dishes, hazelnuts are a staple in many kitchens.

Did you know? The world’s biggest producer of hazelnuts is Turkey, accounting for over 60% of global production!

Hazelnuts are often associated with famous brands like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, but they are much more than just a chocolate companion. These nuts are packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to any diet.

Health Benefits of Hazelnuts

Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants

Hazelnuts are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals. They are loaded with vitamin E, manganese, copper, and healthy fats, all of which contribute to overall well-being.

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional value of 100 g of hazelnuts:

Fun Fact: Just a handful of hazelnuts can provide over 80% of your daily vitamin E needs, which helps protect your skin and body from oxidative stress.

Heart Health and Cholesterol Control

Did you know that eating hazelnuts regularly can improve heart health? Studies show that hazelnuts can:

• Lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL)
• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease

Their high content of heart-friendly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which keep cholesterol in check, is the key.

Pro Tip: Eating hazelnuts with their skin boosts their antioxidant levels, giving you even more health benefits!

Supports Brain Function and Energy Levels

If you ever feel sluggish in the middle of the day, hazelnuts might be the snack you need! They contain:

• Vitamin B6, essential for brain development and function
• Healthy fats, which keep your brain sharp and focused
• Magnesium, which helps improve memory and learning

Adding hazelnuts to your diet can give you a natural energy boost—without the sugar crash that comes from processed snacks.

Hazelnuts for Skin and Hair Health

Want glowing skin and strong hair? Hazelnuts have got you covered! Their vitamin E and antioxidants help:

• Prevent premature aging by reducing wrinkles and fine lines
• Keep hair healthy and shiny by nourishing hair follicles
• Protect skin from sun damage, thanks to their natural oils

Did you know? Hazelnut oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products because it hydrates without clogging pores!

How to Use Hazelnuts in Your Diet

Roasted vs. Raw Hazelnuts: Which is Better?

Hazelnuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour, but which one is better?

• Raw hazelnuts retain more nutrients but may have a slightly bitter taste.
• Roasted hazelnuts have a richer, nuttier flavor and a crunchier texture.

Pro Tip: To remove bitterness, roast hazelnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, then rub them in a kitchen towel to remove the skins.

Best Ways to Incorporate Hazelnuts into Meals

Hazelnuts aren’t just for desserts! Here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

• Breakfast: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts over oatmeal or yogurt
• Lunch: Add chopped hazelnuts to salads for an extra crunch
• Dinner: Use ground hazelnuts as a coating for meats or fish
• Snacks: Make homemade hazelnut butter for a healthy spread

Hazelnut Butter: A Delicious and Healthy Spread

Move over peanut butter—hazelnut butter is just as tasty and even healthier! It’s naturally rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients.

How to Make It: Blend roasted hazelnuts with a pinch of salt until smooth. Add a touch of honey or cocoa powder for extra flavor!

Hazelnut Milk: A Dairy-Free Alternative

Hazelnut milk is a fantastic plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. It’s naturally creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for coffee, smoothies, or cereal.

DIY Hazelnut Milk Recipe: Soak hazelnuts overnight, blend with water, strain, and enjoy!

Easy and Delicious Hazelnut Recipes

Hazelnuts are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or even a crunchy topping for your breakfast, there’s a hazelnut recipe for every occasion. Here, we’ll share four must-try recipes—from a rich chocolate spread to a crispy hazelnut-crusted salmon.

Let’s get cooking! 🍽️

1. Classic Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Forget store-bought hazelnut spreads loaded with excess sugar and preservatives—you can make your own in just 10 minutes with a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Roast the hazelnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then rub them in a towel to remove the skins.
2. Blend the hazelnuts in a food processor until smooth (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, coconut oil, and sea salt. Blend again until creamy.
4. Adjust sweetness if needed and store in an airtight jar.

Pro Tip: Want an ultra-smooth texture? Add 2 tbsp of milk (or a dairy-free alternative) while blending!

2. Crunchy Hazelnut Granola—The Perfect Breakfast Treat

This homemade granola is crunchy, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix oats, hazelnuts, cinnamon, and coconut flakes in a bowl.
3. Heat honey and oil together until smooth, then pour over the oat mixture.
4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
5. Cool and mix in dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.

Did you know? Hazelnuts add a natural sweetness and crunch, making this granola extra special!

3. Creamy Hazelnut Soup—A Warm, Comforting Delight

You’ve probably never thought of hazelnuts in soup, but trust me—this creamy, nutty dish is pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Roast hazelnuts, then blend them into a fine paste.
2. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until golden.
3. Add hazelnut paste and vegetable broth, then simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth, then stir in cream.
5. Season and serve hot with crusty bread!

Pro Tip: A sprinkle of nutmeg or fresh herbs makes this soup even better!

4. Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon—A Crispy, Nutty Twist on Seafood

Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon

This Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a gourmet seafood dish at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

Salmon

• 4 fillets salmon about 6 oz each

Crust Mixture

• 1 cup hazelnuts finely chopped
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, pulse hazelnuts until finely chopped. Mix with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Brush each salmon fillet with Dijon mustard and press the hazelnut mixture onto the top.
• Drizzle with olive oil and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keyword Healthy, Salmon

This crunchy, golden-brown salmon is packed with flavor and healthy fats!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix hazelnuts, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread Dijon mustard over the salmon, then coat with the hazelnut mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15-18 minutes.
5. Serve hot with roasted veggies or salad!

Why It Works: The hazelnuts add a crunchy, nutty crust, making this dish irresistible!

Common Problems with Hazelnuts and How to Solve Them

Even though hazelnuts are amazing, they can sometimes be tricky to work with. Let’s tackle some common hazelnut problems and their simple solutions!

1. Why Do Hazelnuts Taste Bitter?

Problem: Some hazelnuts have a slightly bitter taste, which can ruin your recipe.

Solution:

• Roasting hazelnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes helps remove bitterness.
• Remove the skins by rubbing them in a towel after roasting—most bitterness comes from the skin!

Pro Tip: The fresher the hazelnuts, the sweeter they taste!

2. How to Store Hazelnuts to Keep Them Fresh

Problem: Hazelnuts can go rancid if not stored properly.

Solution:

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
• For longer storage, freeze hazelnuts for up to a year!
• Avoid plastic bags—they trap moisture and cause hazelnuts to spoil faster.

Did you know? Roasted hazelnuts spoil faster than raw ones, so always store them properly!

3. Are Hazelnuts Safe for People with Nut Allergies?

Problem: Some people are allergic to hazelnuts, leading to serious reactions.

Solution:

• If you have a nut allergy, avoid hazelnuts completely.
• For mild sensitivity, always check for cross-contamination in food products.
• Try alternatives like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in recipes!

4. How to Easily Remove Hazelnut Skins

Problem: Hazardous and sometimes difficult to remove.

Solution:

• Roast hazelnuts for 10-15 minutes, kitchen towel.
• For stubborn skins, soak hazelnuts in boiling water with baking soda for

Pro Tip: Skin

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Add Hazelnuts to Your Diet

From sweet spreads to savory dishes, hazelnuts are healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants for heart health, brain function, and even glowing skin!

Try the recipes above, store your hazelnuts correctly, and enjoy their amazing benefits. Which hazelnut recipe will you try first? Let