Hazelnut: From Shrub to Treats (and Everything in Between!)

All About Hazelnut: Botany, Varieties, and Uses

Botanical Overview

• Genus: Say hello to Corylus — a member of the birch family (Betulaceae), known for its charming catkins, edible nuts, and multi-stemmed habit. The genus includes about 15 species found across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Species: The most widely grown is Corylus avellana, the European Hazelnut, native to Europe and western Asia. It’s the source of most hazelnuts you’ll find in your chocolate bar or breakfast spread.
• Shrub Description: Technically a large shrub or small tree, hazelnut grows 10–20 feet tall (3–6 meters) with a lovely, arching form. It’s great for hedgerows, edible gardens, or backyard orchards.
• Flowers: Hazelnuts are monoecious. Male catkins dangle in late winter, while tiny red female flowers wait to catch wind-blown pollen.
• Fruit: The classic hazelnut is a round, buttery seed encased in a smooth shell and tucked inside a leafy husk. They’re ready to harvest when they drop in fall.
• Hardiness: Hazelnuts grow best in USDA zones 4–8. They prefer temperate climates, well-drained soil, and good air circulation.
• Production: Turkey dominates the global market, followed by Italy and the United States (especially Oregon’s Willamette Valley).

Major Species

• European hazelnut (Corylus avellana): The superstar of the hazelnut world. Used in everything from hazelnut spread to nut-studded chocolate and creamy hazelnut coffee. Popular cultivars include ‘Barcelona’, ‘Tonda di Giffoni’, and ‘Lewis’.
• American hazelnut (Corylus americana): A native to North America, this species is more cold-hardy and disease-resistant, often hybridized with C. avellana for improved performance.
• Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta): Named for its long, beak-like husk. Found in woodlands across North America and well adapted to wild, shaded settings.

Uses

• Culinary: Hazelnuts are delicious raw or roasted. They’re essential in confections like hazelnut chocolate, hazelnut cream, and spreads like the iconic hazelnut spread. Fans of hazelnut coffee and hazelnut liqueur know these nuts bring big flavor in small doses.
• Nut Butters: Hazelnut butter is a rich, smooth alternative to peanut butter. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and great in smoothies or on toast.
• Baking and Desserts: Whether you’re making biscotti, tortes, or truffles, hazelnuts lend crunch and depth—especially when paired with chocolate.
• Ornamental: The graceful form and golden fall color make hazelnut trees or shrubs a lovely addition to edible landscapes and native hedgerows.
• Wildlife Habitat: Birds and mammals love hazelnuts too. The dense branching provides excellent cover and nesting sites.

What’s Inside a Hazelnut? Nutrition Facts

Hazelnuts are more than just tasty—they’re nutrient-packed and heart-smart. These creamy, crunchy nuts are loaded with healthy fats, plant protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a closer look at what’s in a 100g serving:

Tip: Hazelnuts are naturally cholesterol-free, low in sodium, and exceptionally rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, manganese, and antioxidants. Roasting hazelnuts can reduce anti-nutrients like phytates, enhance flavor, and slightly alter vitamin content.

Why Hazelnuts Are Good for You

Whether you’re sprinkling them on oatmeal or enjoying a creamy hazelnut spread, these flavorful nuts deliver impressive health benefits:

• Cardiovascular Support: Rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, they help reduce LDL cholesterol and support healthy arteries.
• Brain & Nerve Health: High in manganese, folate, vitamin B6, and magnesium—all key for cognitive function and nervous system balance.
• Digestive Wellness: Nearly 10g of fiber per 100g helps promote regularity and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Hazelnuts are packed with polyphenols and vitamin E, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Muscle & Bone Support: Magnesium and phosphorus help maintain strong muscles and bones—important for active lifestyles.
• Low Glycemic Load: Despite being slightly sweet, they have minimal impact on blood sugar, making them a diabetic-friendly nut.
• Satiety & Weight Control: The fat-fiber-protein trio helps you feel full longer and may help reduce overall calorie intake.

Hazelnut Side Effects Worth Noting

Hazelnuts are generally safe and healthful, but they’re not risk-free for everyone. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Nut Allergies: Hazelnuts are one of the top tree nut allergens. If you have any nut allergy, proceed with caution and check labels carefully.
• Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS): People allergic to birch pollen may experience itching or swelling in the mouth or throat after eating them raw.
• High in Calories: One handful packs a punch—great for energy, but easy to overdo if you’re watching your calorie intake.
• Oxalates: They contain moderate levels of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation in sensitive individuals.
• Phytates: Like many nuts, they contain phytic acid, which may slightly reduce mineral absorption—though this isn’t usually a concern in a balanced diet.
• Digestive Sensitivity: Large quantities (especially raw) may cause bloating or discomfort in those unaccustomed to high-fat, high-fiber foods.

For most people, hazelnuts are a nutrient-rich, flavorful addition to a healthy diet. As always, enjoy in moderation—and if you’re new to tree nuts, start small to test for any sensitivities.

How to Eat Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re snacking, baking, or sipping your favorite flavored coffee, there’s a tasty way to enjoy this little nut:

• Raw: Eat hazelnuts straight out of the shell (or bag) for a crunchy, slightly sweet snack full of healthy fats and nutrients.
• Roasted: Roasting enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Rub off the skins with a towel after cooling.
• Chopped: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or roasted vegetables for extra crunch and richness.
• Hazelnut Butter: Blend roasted hazelnuts into a creamy spread—great on toast, in smoothies, or drizzled over fruit.
• Hazelnut Cream: Whip them into dairy or plant-based desserts for a smooth, nutty twist in frostings and fillings.
• Hazelnut Chocolate: Combine them with melted chocolate for homemade nut clusters, bark, or truffles.
• Hazelnut Spread: Think Nutella-style! Spread it on pancakes, waffles, or just enjoy it by the spoonful (we won’t judge).
• Hazelnut Coffee: Add a splash of hazelnut syrup to your coffee or try hazelnut-flavored beans for a cozy, aromatic brew.
• Hazelnut Liqueur: Sip it straight, mix into cocktails, or use in desserts like tiramisu and hazelnut-spiked whipped cream.

From sweet to savory, hazelnuts play well in just about any dish. Try a few different ways and find your favorite flavor combo!

Meet the World’s Favorite Nuts

Curious about which nuts are topping snack bowls and culinary charts around the world? Here’s a flavorful lineup of the most popular edible nuts—some true nuts, some not technically nuts (we’re looking at you, peanuts!), but all commonly enjoyed and commercially important. Meet the nutty all-stars:

Almond (Prunus dulcis), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Walnut (Juglans regia), Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia tetraphylla), Pistachio (Pistacia vera), Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), Pine nut (Pinus pinea, Pinus koraiensis, and other Pinus species), Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Chestnut (Castanea sativa, Castanea dentata), Hickory nut (Carya species), Pili nut (Canarium ovatum), Ginkgo nut (Ginkgo biloba), Baru nut (Dipteryx alata), and Ogbono nut (Irvingia gabonensis).

From creamy macadamias and rich pecans to protein-packed peanuts and wild acorns, this diverse bunch has something for everyone—whether you’re baking, snacking, or just cracking open something new!

Nuts that Help you Thrive: Comparing the Top 11 for Health Benefits

Benefits and Drawbacks of Hazelnut Shrubs and Trees

Thinking about growing hazelnut? These charming, compact shrubs are nut-producing powerhouses that fit beautifully into gardens, hedgerows, or orchards. But like any plant, they come with both perks and challenges. Here’s what to consider before planting.

Benefits of Hazelnut Shrubs and Trees

• Early Nut Production: Hazelnuts bear fruit quickly—often within 3 to 5 years—faster than many other nut trees.
• Compact and Manageable: Their shrub-like growth habit makes them perfect for smaller spaces and easier to harvest than tall trees.
• Delicious Nuts: Hazelnuts are rich, buttery, and versatile—used in everything from butter and chocolate spreads to gourmet desserts and coffee.
• Wildlife Support: Their nuts feed birds and small mammals, while the dense branches offer shelter and nesting spots.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, they need minimal care and respond well to coppicing or informal hedgerow management.
• Soil and Climate Benefits: Hazelnuts can help prevent erosion, improve soil health, and sequester carbon—making them a climate-friendly choice.
• Economic Potential: Hazelnuts are in high global demand and offer long-term returns for commercial growers or homesteaders alike.

Drawbacks of Hazelnut Shrubs and Trees

• Requires Cross-Pollination: Most plants aren’t self-fertile—you’ll need at least two compatible cultivars for nuts to form.
• Eastern Filbert Blight: This fungal disease can be serious, especially in regions with humid springs. Resistant varieties and good pruning are key.
• Animal Competition: Squirrels, deer, and birds often raid ripening nuts before you can harvest them.
• Drought Sensitivity: They need steady moisture, particularly during nut development. Extended drought can impact yields.
• Biennial Bearing Risk: Without proper pruning and care, some shrubs may produce heavily one year and lightly the next.
• Pruning and Suckers: Regular pruning is needed to maintain airflow and shape, especially since many varieties send up suckers from the base.

How to Grow and Care for a Hazelnut Shrub or Tree

Thinking about growing your own hazelnuts? You’re in for a treat! These trees (or shrubs, really) are easy to grow, super productive, and make a beautiful addition to any edible landscape or backyard orchard.

Choosing the Right Site

• Sunlight: Plant in full sun. They’ll need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce well.
• Soil: They’re adaptable but happiest in well-drained, loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay or soggy spots.
• Spacing: Space plants 10–15 feet apart to allow for mature spread and encourage good airflow between shrubs.

Planting Tips

• Best Time to Plant: Get them in the ground in early spring or fall while dormant—either bare-root or container-grown works well.
• Pollination Matters: Most hazelnuts need a partner! Plant at least two compatible varieties for cross-pollination and good nut set.
• Mulch for Success: Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Just keep it a few inches away from the base of the plant.

Watering and Fertilizing

• Water Wisely: Keep soil consistently moist during the first year. Once established, they can handle some drought but benefit from deep watering in dry spells.
• Feeding Tips: A balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost growth if needed—just don’t overdo it or you’ll get more leaves than nuts.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Annual Pruning: Thin out crowded branches, remove deadwood, and cut suckers at the base to shape the plant and improve air circulation. Late winter is ideal.
• Stay on Pest Patrol: Keep an eye out for squirrels, aphids, and signs of Eastern Filbert Blight. Clean up fallen debris and remove infected wood promptly.

With just a bit of seasonal care, your shrubs will reward you with delicious nuts, vibrant foliage, and valuable wildlife habitat—year after year.

How to Harvest Hazelnuts

Harvesting hazelnuts is easy, rewarding, and just a little bit addictive! Come late summer to early fall, those tasty nuts start to ripen—if you blink, the squirrels might beat you to them.

When to Harvest

• Watch the husks: Nuts are ready when their papery husks turn brown and begin to loosen around the shell.
• Let them drop: Ripe hazelnuts often fall to the ground naturally. Check beneath the plant daily and scoop them up before wildlife does.
• Pick from the bush: If you’re eager, gently twist or pluck the loosened nuts straight from the shrub when husks begin opening.

Helpful Harvesting Tips

• Tarp trick: Spread a tarp under the plant and shake the branches lightly—fallen nuts will roll right in.
• Wear gloves: Husks can be a bit scratchy. Gloves make the task more comfortable.

How to Store Hazelnuts

You’ve got your harvest—now let’s keep it fresh and flavorful. Proper storage means you can enjoy your hazelnuts all year long.

Drying

• Air-dry in-shell: Lay nuts out in a single layer in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated space. Let them cure for 2–4 weeks.
• Sound check: When fully dry, the nut inside should rattle in the shell. Crack one open—it should taste sweet and crisp.

Storage Tips

• In-shell: Store in a mesh bag or breathable container in a cool, dry spot like a pantry or basement.
• Shelled nuts: Keep in an airtight container. Refrigerate or freeze for longer shelf life and to avoid rancidity.
• Moisture alert: Always ensure nuts are completely dry before storing—moisture is the fast track to mold.

When properly dried and stored, hazelnuts can last up to a year—plenty of time to enjoy them in spreads, baked goods, or right out of the shell.

How to Propagate Hazelnuts

Love your hazelnut shrub? Clone it! Whether you’re growing from seed or taking advantage of natural suckers, propagating hazelnuts is easy and fun.

Growing from Seed

• Collect good nuts: Pick healthy, mature hazelnuts in fall. Choose disease-free, well-formed ones.
• Chill them: Cold-stratify in moist sand or peat in the fridge for 90–120 days to simulate winter.
• Plant in spring: Sow the chilled nuts 1–2 inches deep outdoors after the last frost in a sunny, well-drained spot.
• Wait and see: Germination can take a while, and seedlings may vary from the parent plant.

Propagating by Suckers

• Use the plant’s energy: Hazelnuts send up suckers naturally. These offshoots can be dug up and replanted.
• When to divide: Late winter to early spring—before new growth begins—is ideal.
• Replant with care: Make sure each sucker has roots. Water well and give it time to establish.

Try Layering

• Bend and bury: Take a low branch, bend it to the ground, and bury part of it under soil, leaving the tip exposed.
• Pin it down: Use a rock or U-pin to hold it in place. Roots will form at the buried section in several months.
• Snip and move: Once rooted, cut the new plant from the mother shrub and transplant it to a new location.

Whether you’re expanding your orchard or gifting a friend, propagating hazelnuts is an easy way to grow more of what you love.

Common Pests and Diseases of Hazelnut Trees and Shrubs

Hazelnuts are tough and low-maintenance, but they’re not completely pest-proof. From bugs that burrow into nuts to fungi that mess with the leaves, here’s what to keep an eye out for—and how to deal with it.

Pests

• Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth and leave behind sticky honeydew—an open invite for sooty mold.
• Filbertworm: The larvae of this moth bore into hazelnuts, damaging kernels and causing premature drop. Use pheromone traps and remove infested nuts.
• Filbert Bud Mite: These microscopic mites damage buds and flower clusters, reducing future nut yield. Dormant oil sprays can help manage them.
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: This invasive pest feeds on developing nuts, resulting in shriveled kernels and external damage.
• Scale insects: Frosted and soft scale attach to stems and branches, feeding on sap and weakening the shrub over time.
• Caterpillars: Leafrollers and webworms can defoliate young plants quickly. Hand-pick or use targeted organic sprays if necessary.
• Squirrels: Fun to watch but ruthless with your harvest. Use netting or squirrel baffles to protect your crop.
• Voles and rabbits: These critters chew bark and roots—especially during winter—so consider using tree guards or fencing for young shrubs.

Diseases

• Eastern Filbert Blight: A serious fungal disease that causes branch dieback and can eventually kill the plant. Prune infected wood and plant resistant varieties.
• Leaf Spots: Various fungi cause dark spots on leaves, leading to early leaf drop. Often cosmetic, but good sanitation helps.
• Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery coating that thrives in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and use organic fungicides if needed.
• Bacterial Blight: Can cause cankers on stems and blackened buds. Prune affected parts and avoid overhead watering.
• Crown Gall: Causes tumor-like growths on roots and stems. Avoid wounding the plant and buy disease-free stock.
• Root Rot: Caused by overly wet or poorly drained soils. Always choose a well-drained planting site and avoid overwatering.

Prevention & Management

• Plant resistant cultivars: Many modern hazelnut varieties are bred to resist blights and pests.
• Keep things tidy: Remove fallen leaves, old nuts, and pruned branches to prevent disease buildup.
• Prune for airflow: An open, well-ventilated canopy helps prevent fungal issues and discourages overwintering pests.
• Monitor regularly: Check your shrubs during the growing season for early signs of trouble—especially nut and leaf damage.
• Apply horticultural oils: Useful for controlling aphids, scale, and mites when used during dormancy or early growth.
• Water wisely: Use drip irrigation to avoid wetting the leaves and prevent root issues. Don’t let the soil stay soggy.
• Use physical barriers: Tree guards or fencing can deter rodents and rabbits from damaging the lower stems.

Tip: A healthy hazelnut shrub is your best defense. Good planting practices, seasonal care, and early action go a long way in keeping pests and disease at bay.

Popular Hazelnut Questions

Are hazelnuts healthy?

Yes! Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. They support heart health, brain function, and may help reduce inflammation.

What does a hazelnut taste like?

Hazelnuts have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor with a rich, buttery texture—especially after roasting. They pair well with chocolate and coffee.

Is hazelnut safe for dogs?

Hazelnuts aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard or cause digestive upset. It’s best to avoid giving them to pets.

What is hazelnut spread made of?

Hazelnut spread typically includes roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, sugar, and palm oil. Nutella is the most famous brand, but homemade versions are easy to make.

Is hazelnut flavor real hazelnut?

Sometimes! Commercial “hazelnut flavor” (like in coffee) may be natural or artificial. Check labels if you’re concerned about allergens or authenticity.

Can hazelnuts grow in containers?

Hazelnuts can be grown in large containers when young, but they’re best suited to the ground for long-term growth and nut production.

Do hazelnuts cause allergies?

Yes, hazelnuts are a common tree nut allergen. Reactions can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

What is the difference between hazelnut butter and hazelnut cream?

Hazelnut butter is made by grinding roasted hazelnuts into a smooth, spreadable paste—often just nuts and maybe salt. Hazelnut cream usually includes added sugar, oils, and sometimes chocolate for a dessert-like spread.

Are wild hazelnuts edible?

Yes! American hazelnuts (Corylus americana) and beaked hazelnuts (Corylus cornuta) produce edible nuts, though they’re smaller and often harder to shell than commercial types.

Can hazelnuts help with weight loss?

In moderation, yes. Their healthy fats, protein, and fiber help keep you full longer. Just watch portion sizes—they’re calorie-dense.

Why do some hazelnuts have holes or worms?

That’s usually caused by filbertworm larvae. Inspect and discard any infested nuts before storage or eating.