How to Roast Hazel Nuts

Roast hazelnuts in the oven.

Not only are hazelnuts a delectable treat when you add them to sweet confections, they also boast a variety of nutritious qualities as well. Hazelnuts are a natural source of antioxidants, vitamin E, B vitamins and magnesium, according to the Hazelnut Council. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration connects consuming nuts (and specifically hazelnuts) with reducing heart disease. When you wish to cook or bake with these delicious nuts, roast hazelnuts first to enhance their flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Shelled hazelnuts
• Large metal bowl
• Clean dish towel
• Plastic container (with lid)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275 F.

2. Pour the shelled hazelnuts onto the baking sheet and spread them into a single layer on the sheet.

3. Roast the hazelnuts in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Begin checking the hazelnuts after 15 minutes to monitor the roasting. When the hazelnut skins begin to crack and the nuts turn a golden brown, remove them from the oven.

4. Pour the roasted hazelnuts immediately into the metal bowl. Place the baking sheet over the metal bowl to cover the bowl. This will steam the hazelnuts inside the bowl.

5. Allow the hazelnuts to steam for approximately five minutes.

6. Spread the dishtowel out onto the counter and pour the hazelnuts onto the towel. Roll the towel up with the hazelnuts inside and rub the nuts vigorously through the dishtowel to loosen the nut skins. Continue this rubbing process for one to two minutes and then unroll the dishtowel.

7. Shake the dishtowel gently to force the nut skins to the bottom of the towel--the hazelnuts will sit on top of the nut skins. Place the roasted hazelnuts into a plastic container and seal the container tightly. Discard the nut skins.

8. Store the hazelnuts in the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two years.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry roasting will produce a superior roasted hazelnut; however, oil roasting is another option for roasting hazelnuts, if you desire. The roasting time may be shorter but roasting temperature is essentially the same. The hazelnuts may soak up flavors from the oil you use for roasting.

References

• Hazelnut Council: Nutritional Overview
• FDA: Qualified Health Claims
• Hazelnut Council: Hazelnut Applications and Usage