What is Hazelnut, Where and How Is It Grown?

Hazelnut, which we use frequently and abundantly without hesitation in desserts, meals, and even coffee and its varieties, has a wide range of uses. It has succeeded in creating a whole by using chocolate not only in the products listed but also in the minds and palates of society. This superhero, which gives beauty to every area where it is used, has great importance in the economy of our country.

The word hazelnut came from the word pontic, which was derived from Pont Exinus, an ancient name of the Black Sea, during the Antiquity.

In addition, hazelnuts are rich in zinc as well as iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to this richness, it contains vitamin E, protein, and Omega 3.

Where Do Hazelnuts Grow?

There are many different opinions about the homeland of hazelnut. One of them is that in Chinese written sources, it was cultivated in China in 2838 BC and hazelnut is one of the five sacred fruits that God gave to people. However, although it is mentioned in different places in terms of homeland, it is known by all the nations of the world that the most delicious hazelnuts of the world are grown in the Eastern Black Sea region. Hazelnut, which is one of the most important import and export materials of Turkey, is produced mostly in Giresun, Ordu, Trabzon, and Sakarya, Bartın, and Zonguldak provinces. Turkey ranks first in the world hazelnut production and meets 62-65% of the world hazelnut production by itself.

How is Hazelnut Grown?

According to Ankara University, hazelnut is diversified in the Beech and Birch Family. It can be grown in every region that receives abundant rainfall and humidity in Turkey. Although it was grown in the Marmara region in the past, it is no longer produced in that region. It is important for hazelnut to be grown in clay soil in terms of its flavor. Hazelnuts grown in clay soil have a more plump appearance than those grown in sand and clay. Hazelnuts are grown on the south-facing slopes of cold regions. The most productive time for planting is in autumn. If the winters are harsh and cold in the place where the production will be made, the spring months may be preferred.

How should hazelnuts be consumed?

Hazelnut, which we do not miss from our tables, desserts, and beverages, has many consumption areas. It can be used with shell, without shell, raw and roasted. In addition, the use of hazelnut oil has increased considerably recently. Hazelnuts and their varieties, which vary according to desire and area, offer a unique taste in any case.

How to Roast Hazelnuts?

The primary process for roasting your hazelnuts without shells is to break their shells and separate them from their shells. If you wish, you can perform the cracking process by hitting it with a hard object or with the apparatus made for cracking nuts. There are two different methods of roasting hazelnuts. Our first method is frying in a pan and the other is roasting in the oven. For roasting in the pan, first of all, a pan with a thick bottom should be chosen and the pan should be started by heating it. The hazelnuts transferred to the heated pan should be stirred at intervals until they turn brown or black, provided that they are not mixed too often. When color is seen, it should be taken off the stove and transferred onto a cloth. The shells are easily separated from each other with the cloth that is rubbed on the hazelnuts transferred to the cloth. In order to roast the hazelnuts in the oven, first of all, after heating the oven to 170 degrees, the hazelnuts spread on the baking tray are placed in the oven. It is taken out of the oven at intervals of five minutes, mixed with the help of a spatula, and returned to the oven. After 15-20 minutes, the hazelnuts are ready to be roasted. The main question in mind is whether the hazelnut will be roasted in a shell or without a shell. Hazelnut shells can also be roasted. In fact, the smell of roasted hazelnuts will spread more, and it will show itself around you and in your home with a more pleasant smell. You can roast the hazelnuts you want to roast with their shells without breaking their shells, creating slight cracks, and roasting them in the oven at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes at five-minute intervals. After storing it in a way that does not absorb moisture, you can use it as you wish and present it.

How Many Calories Are Hazelnuts?

It is also very curious how many calories are in hazelnut, which is consumed so much and has a wide range of consumption. An average handful of roasted hazelnuts is 263 kcal, and a handful of raw hazelnuts is 136 kcal.