Hazelnuts Around the World: Culinary Uses and Traditions

  • Hazelnuts, additionally known as filberts, are the nuts of the Betulaceae family's hazel tree (Corylus avellana). Hazelnuts are small, spherical nuts with a hard outer shell or husk that must be cracked open to reveal the delicious kernel inside. The kernel is usually pale yellow or cream in color, with a rich, sweet flavor and a somewhat crunchy texture. Hazelnuts are native to Europe and have been cultivated and used for ages for both culinary and nutritional purposes. They are often used in a range of culinary applications such as sweets, snacks, baked goods, and savory dishes, as well as the production of hazelnut oil and hazelnut butter. 

Global Hazelnuts market insights

  • Increasing consumer demand for hazelnut products due to their pleasant flavor, increasing demand for various hazelnut essence products, rising inclinations for organically grown goods, greater utilization of hazelnut extracts in various applications such as medicines and food and drinks, and use of hazelnut beans in medical applications are some of the determinants favoring hazelnut market growth during the forecast period.

  • The developing spirits and food manufacturing business will play a vital role because of its potential to enrich essence and appreciation in an array of food commodities. Furthermore, it combines a low-calorie content with the presence of a range of anti-oxidants, increasing its popularity among the health-conscious population.

  • According to data bridge market research, the hazelnut market was valued at USD 14944.61 million in 2021 and is expected to reach the value of USD 29343.76 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

  • For more insights visit https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-hazelnut-market

The enticing flavor and taste of hazelnuts

  1. Hazelnuts have a distinct and pleasant flavor. Hazelnuts have a deep, sweet, nutty flavor with a slight bitterness to them. They are frequently described as having a "buttery" or "toasty" flavor that is accentuated when roasted.

  2. Hazelnut flavors may differ based on how they have been prepared and utilized. Raw hazelnuts are milder in flavor than roasted hazelnuts but have a more intense and more pronounced nutty flavor. Hazelnuts can be roasted to bring out their inherent sweetness and add a toasted scent.

  3. Hazelnuts are frequently used in culinary applications to add taste, crunch, and richness to a variety of cuisines. They can lend a sweet, nutty taste to pastries or confections, complementing chocolate, caramel, and various other sweet flavors. 

Hazelnuts in different world cuisines 

Hazelnuts are prominent in various culinary traditions around the world due to their diverse flavor and texture. Here are some ways hazelnuts are used in various culinary traditions:

  1. Hazelnuts are an important element in Italian cuisine, notably in the Piedmont region, in which they are used to make the famous Nutella spread as well as classic Italian desserts such as biscotti, torte, and gianduja chocolate. Hazelnuts are also popular in pesto sauces, as a pasta topper, and in gelato.

  2. Turkish Cuisine: Hazelnuts are a popular ingredient in many traditional Turkish desserts, including hazelnut butter biscuits known as cevizli kurabiye and as a topping for desserts such as muhallebi, a Turkish milk pudding. Turkish baklava, pastries, and various other sweet delights also contain hazelnuts.

  3. Swiss Cuisine: Hazelnuts are used in traditional Swiss cookies and cakes such as Basler Leckerli and Swiss hazelnut cake, as well as meringue-based delicacies such as pavlova and merengue cakes.

  4. Hazelnuts are frequently utilized in Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Korean cuisines, where they can be found in desserts, candies, and sauces. Hazelnuts are utilized in sweet and sour meals as well as mooncakes, a classic Chinese dessert.

  5. In French cuisine, hazelnuts are used to make praline, which is a mixture of caramelized hazelnuts mashed into a paste form and used in desserts, chocolates, and pastries. In French cuisine, hazelnuts are frequently used in cakes, tarts, and nougat.

  6. American Cuisine: Hazelnuts are found in a variety of dishes in American cuisine, including cookies, brownies, and pies. Hazelnuts are also popular in granola, trail mix, and other types of snacks. Hazelnut-flavored coffee and espresso syrups are also popular in the United States.

  7. Middle Eastern Cuisine: Hazelnuts are commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts such as baklava, halva, and Turkish delight. Hazelnuts offer a nutty flavor to savory foods such as pilafs, stuffings, and spice blends.

The Nutritional Value of Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are high in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, that are good for your heart. They are also packed with dietary fiber, containing insoluble as well as soluble fiber, which promotes digestion health and may aid in weight loss.

Hazelnuts are high in protein from plants, making them a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans. They are also high in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are needed for many physiological activities in the body such as bone health, muscle function, and nerve function.

Hazelnuts are high in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage. They also include folate, a B vitamin that helps with cell development and brain health.

A little handful of hazelnuts is around 1 ounce (28 grams) of serving size. Hazelnuts can give essential vitamins and minerals that are essential to a healthy way of life when included in a well-balanced diet.