Hazelnut

• Making hazelnut praline: Learn how to make a rich and decadent hazelnut praline by caramelizing sugar and combining it with toasted hazelnuts. This crunchy confection can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for desserts and pastries.
• Blending into hazelnut butter: Create your own homemade hazelnut butter by grinding roasted hazelnuts into a smooth and creamy spread. Experiment with adding sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to smoothies.
• Incorporating them into baked goods: Discover how to incorporate chopped or ground hazelnuts into your favorite baked goods, such as cookies, brownies, cakes, and muffins, to add a delightful nutty flavor and texture. Finely ground hazelnuts can also be used as a gluten-free flour alternative.
• Enhancing savory dishes with hazelnut oil: Explore using hazelnut oil as a finishing oil to drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats for a rich and nutty aroma and flavor. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can diminish its delicate flavor.
• Adding to trail mix or granola: Create a custom trail mix or granola by combining hazelnuts with other nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains. Toasting the hazelnuts beforehand will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their crunchy texture.
• Using in chocolate pairings: Discover how the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts complements chocolate perfectly. Add roasted hazelnuts to chocolate bark, fudge, or truffles for a delightful textural and flavor contrast that is sure to please.

• Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports heart health due to high levels of unsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol.
• Good source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and aiding in weight management.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, manganese, and copper, crucial for various bodily functions.
• May improve blood sugar control thanks to its healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium content.

To maximize the shelf life of hazelnuts, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Whole, shelled hazelnuts can be kept at room temperature for about a month, but they will stay fresher longer if refrigerated in an airtight container for up to six months. For extended storage, freezing hazelnuts is an excellent option; they can last for up to a year in the freezer. Be sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and absorption of odors.