How to Roast Filberts

One of the best nuts in the world has got to be the Filbert or as it's otherwise known, the Hazelnut. They are one and the same. The Filbert is grown commercially in my home state of Oregon and also in Washington state, the only places in the U.S. This nut is so versatile, eaten fresh and roasted or chopped and used in cooking, this nut can't be beat. You can find Filberts at any grocery store already shelled, but if you were to buy them whole, you could crack and roast them yourself and save money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   A FILBERT LOOKS LIKE A ACORN WITHOUT THE CAP

   During the month of October the fresh crop of Filberts come in. This is my favorite nut as it is wonderful roasted or used in so many different recipe's. To buy Filberts already shelled though is quite expensive and if you have a little time, you could do it yourself and have the best nuts you've ever eaten.

2. 
    
   SHELLING NUTS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY TASK

   Shelling the nuts is probably the most time consuming part of getting the nut meat. There are some very good crackers available but I have my own method that works quite well. I use a very small hammer and working on a breadboard covered in newspaper, I hold the nut between my thumb and index finger. A couple of taps and the nut is cracked. Don't hit the nut too hard though or you'll smash the meat.

3. 
    
   YUMMY

   I suggest roasting the nuts which brings out the flavor in them. To do this put fresh nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. This will give you a nice dry roasted flavor. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees and roast the nuts for 15 minutes or until the skin cracks. When the nuts are done wrap them in a clean towel to rest for 10 minutes. Then begin to gently rub them to remove the skin, which has a bitter flavor and best not eaten. It is not necessary to remove every little bit of skin, just most of it. If you like your nuts salted, put them in a bowl and add a small amount of a good olive oil, just enough to coat and then salt them. Fresh nuts will keep for a month if kept in a air-tight container.

Tips & Warnings

• To test for freshness when your buying Filberts, shake the nut and listen for it to rattle. If it rattles, the nut meat is stale due to loss of moisture inside the shell. For your reference 2-1/4 lbs. of Filberts in shell will equal 1 lb. of nut meat.

Resources

• How To Roast Chestnuts

[EatTheSnot]

on 12/2/2008 I love hazelnuts! Good and informative article.

[Cherrie]

on 10/30/2008 The freshness is the secret with the Hazelnut especially. Good idea how to remove the shells. Thanks for your article

[veryirie]

on 9/25/2008 This was interesting, but my cat's name is Filbert. I had a hard time getting over that while reading the article. :) Thanks for the info on filbert nuts!

[JasneJ]

on 9/22/2008 We always bought them fresh from the farm.They have the best flavor.I miss them here in the East! Excellent article.

[momofour]

on 9/16/2008 I don't believe I have ever tried a filbert. I have had hazelnut flavored "things" but never actually eaten the nut itself. Will have to give them a try!