How to Identify Hazelnuts

Unshelled hazelnut next to an unripe hazelnut connected to a tree branch

Hazelnuts are a distinctive kind of nut, with a rounded shape and a smoky flavor. They are mostly grown in Turkey and exported around the world. However, in the United States, many hazelnuts come from farmers in Portland, Oregon. You can eat hazelnuts raw, roasted or pureed, and they are used in many desserts including biscuits, pastries and chocolates.

Hazelnuts are a good source of protein, E and B Vitamins, earning them the Food and Drug Administration heart healthy seal of approval. Hazelnuts grow on trees in clusters. Whether you are trying to identify a nut on a tree or alone, the nuts' special shape and color should give it away.

Instructions

1. 

   A leaf and green immature hazelnuts growing on a tree

   Study the tree first. The American Hazel is normally between eight and fifteen feet tall, and it has a spread of five to ten feet. See if these dimensions match. The tree can have many branches that start lower, making it look like a shrub more than a tree.

2. Check the shape of the leaves. The hazelnut tree has heart-shaped leaves that alternate along the branches. The leaves are paler on the back than the front, with a pointed tip and doubly serrated edges that look like the edge of a bread knife. The leaves are between three to five inches long and two to three inches wide.

3. 

   Unshelled hazelnuts

   Look at the size of the nut. It should be between a half-inch to an inch long, and it should be a little less than a half-inch in diameter. The outer shell is very smooth and has a warm brown color, except at the round base of the nut where it was attached to the husk on the tree. This base is a lighter, tan color and has a slightly rough texture.

4. Crack the shell open. The easiest way is to place the nut inside a nutcracker and squeeze. If you don't have a nutcracker, use your shoe and a rock to crack the shell on the ground. Hazelnut shells are not thick like walnuts. They are thin and brittle, and they may have sharp edges when broken.

5. 

   The edible kernel of a hazelnut

   Look at the kernel inside. It should be roughly round, yet lumpy all over. The nutmeat has a thin, brown coating that is also edible. The coating will also have a papery texture and can be scraped off with your fingernail. Underneath the dark brown layer, the kernel is a light tan color and softer. If you press directly into the flesh of the nut with your nail, it should leave a visible mark. It does not have a strong smell, but you may be able to pick up something of its sweet, smoky flavor by sniffing closely.

Tips & Warnings

• The hard outer shell of a hazelnut looks like the inner shell of a chestnut. A chestnut is larger and softer is this form. It's not typically eaten raw.

• Do not eat anything you found without getting an expert opinion. A botanical society, plant conservatory or garden center will have references for experts who can identify what you found.

References

• Arbor Day Foundation: Hazelnut Program
• Hazelnut Council: Health and Nutrition
• Oregon Hazelnuts: Consumer Information

Resources

• Freddy Guys Hazelnuts: Oregon Filberts