1. What are hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are the edible nuts of the hazel tree (Corylus species). They have a long history in cosmetics around the globe.

2. Where do hazelnuts grow?

Hazelnuts thrive in temperate regions and are mainly grown in Turkey, Italy, and the United States (especially Oregon). and Spain.

3. Are hazelnuts good for the environment?

Yes! Hazelnut trees help improve soil health by preventing erosion and enriching the land with organic matter. Their deep root systems stabilize the soil, and they require fewer chemical inputs compared to other crops.

4. Are hazelnuts a sustainable crop?

Absolutely! Hazelnuts require less water than many other nut crops, making them an environmentally friendly option for sustainable agriculture. Once established, hazelnuts can produce for up to 100 years meaning no tillage for century!

5. How are hazelnuts harvested?

Commercial hazelnut orchards in the US allow mature nuts to fall to the ground where they are swept up with specialized equipment and then cleaned before processing. Midwest hazelnuts are picked directly from the bush so they never touch the ground. This is currently done mostly by hand but new equipment is being developed that will harvest nut clusters from the bushes.