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The hazel tree is said to have spread to Italy, France, and Spain from Asia by way of ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks and Romans ate hazelnuts. Turkey is the world’s leading grower of hazelnuts. Other large producers include Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe. In the United States, Oregon grows the majority of hazelnuts.
There are more than 100 varieties of hazel trees, which are related to birch trees. Certain varieties of hazelnuts are called filberts, which are slightly larger than other hazelnuts.
Shelled hazelnuts can be eaten whole, chopped, or ground. They can be added to cookies, cakes, and other desserts, or used in salads or to make a savory butter to flavor entrees and side dishes. Like many nuts, roasting hazelnut brings out their flavor. After roasting, hazelnuts should be rubbed in a cloth while still hot to remove their skins.
Hazelnuts, 10 nuts (14g)
Calories: 88
Protein: 2.1g
Carbohydrate: 2.3g
Total Fat: 8.5g
Fiber: 1.3g
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found in many foods. Most, but not all, studies have found that high dietary or blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid are high in almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
Health benefits and
concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and
seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns
for nuts and seeds for a full description.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.