Food Guide
Hazelnuts
Varieties
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.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
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.
Storing
Shelled hazelnuts can become rancid quickly and should be used within a week, refrigerated for up to six months, or frozen for up to one year. For long-term storage, it’s best to buy unshelled nuts.