Hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious snack that many people enjoy. But with concerns about pesticides and environmental sustainability, some may wonder if it’s necessary to buy organic hazelnuts.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of organic hazelnuts, the potential risks of non-organic hazelnuts, and whether the extra cost is worth it.
From the impact on human health to the effects on the environment, we’ll take a closer look at the factors to consider when choosing between organic and non-organic hazelnuts.
So grab a handful of your favorite nuts and let’s dive in!
Do Hazelnuts Need To Be Organic
Hazelnuts are a great source of nutrients, including vitamin E, protein, and dietary fiber. However, the use of pesticides and other chemicals in non-organic hazelnut production can be harmful to both human health and the environment.
Research has shown that organic hazelnut production is more stable and sustainable than conventional methods. Organic producers use a variety of farming methods and inputs, but they also require more labor from workers. This extra effort is worth it, as organic hazelnuts are grown without harmful chemicals and are better for both people and the planet.
Non-organic hazelnuts may contain leftover pesticides, which can be harmful to farmworkers and the local environment. Additionally, some nuts like peanuts may have higher exposure to pesticides and mold growth due to their underground growth. Rice is also a concern, as it often contains high levels of inorganic arsenic.
While organic hazelnuts may be more expensive than non-organic options, the benefits are worth the extra cost. Organic nuts are grown without synthetic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, and they are not pasteurized like commercially sold nuts. This means that they retain their highest quality nutrients and are better for your health in the long run.
What Makes Hazelnuts Organic?
Organic hazelnuts are grown using natural methods that prioritize sustainability and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals. This means that organic hazelnut production is more environmentally friendly and better for the health of both consumers and workers.
To be certified organic, hazelnut farmers must follow strict guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals. Organic farmers also prioritize soil health and biodiversity, using natural inputs like compost and cover crops to promote healthy soil and reduce erosion.
Organic hazelnuts are also non-GMO and free from irradiation or other forms of artificial processing. This means that they retain their natural flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
In addition to being better for the environment and human health, organic hazelnuts are often of higher quality than non-organic options. They are typically fresher, larger, and more flavorful, making them a great choice for snacking or cooking.
Health Benefits Of Organic Hazelnuts
Organic hazelnuts offer a variety of health benefits that make them an excellent addition to any diet. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Rich in Nutrients: Hazelnuts are a great source of vitamin E, protein, and dietary fiber. Organic hazelnuts are grown without harmful chemicals and retain their highest quality nutrients, making them a healthier option than non-organic nuts.
2. Promote Heart Health: Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. They also contain antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress that can contribute to hypertension.
3. Reduce Cancer Risk: Organic hazelnuts contain proanthocyanidins, which are chemical compounds thought to help reduce the risk of cancer. In test tube and animal studies, they prevented and treated certain types of cancer.
4. Boost Immunity: Hazelnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and boost immunity. They also contain high amounts of phenolic compounds, which help your body fight off infections and diseases.
5. Sustainable Agriculture: Organic hazelnut production is more sustainable than conventional methods, as it requires less water and helps prevent soil erosion. It also avoids the use of harmful chemicals that can harm human health and the environment.
Risks Of Non-Organic Hazelnuts
Non-organic hazelnuts come with several risks that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Hazelnuts are one of the crops that use a large number of pesticides, and while the levels of pesticide residues in nuts are generally low, there is still a risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tolerances by Commodity, Crop Group, or Crop Subgroup Index, there are 74 pesticides with established tolerance for hazelnuts. Of these, 31 are acutely toxic and can create a hazardous environment for farmworkers. Additionally, 68 are linked to chronic health problems like cancer, 24 contaminate streams or groundwater, and 61 are poisonous to wildlife.
Non-organic hazelnut production can also harm the environment by polluting the soil and water with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can seep into groundwater and contaminate streams and rivers, leading to negative impacts on aquatic life and ecosystems.
Furthermore, non-organic hazelnut production often involves monoculture farming practices that can lead to the depletion of soil nutrients and an increase in soil erosion. This can have long-term effects on the productivity of the land and the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Environmental Impact Of Hazelnut Farming
Hazelnut farming has a significant impact on the environment, both positive and negative. On the one hand, hazelnuts have been found to reduce soil erosion and act as a natural biofilter that protects aquatic environments from excessive sedimentation, polluted surface runoff, and erosion. Hazelnuts also provide complete soil cover much longer throughout the year compared to annual crops, which helps prevent erosion from raindrop splash and wind.
However, there are also negative environmental impacts associated with hazelnut farming. Hazelnut monoculture has caused problems with water, soil, and air due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides treatments. These practices make the soil increasingly arid, which in turn has led to its erosion in some places. During harvest season, clouds of dust are kicked up into the air by heavy machinery, which can be harmful to people’s health.
Hazelnut farming also has an impact on biodiversity. Several diverse crops have been replaced by hazelnut plantations, and hedgerows have been cleared to minimize the presence of insects. This monoculture approach can lead to a loss of habitat for wildlife and a decrease in biodiversity.
A study conducted in Italy using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach found that organic hazelnut production had a higher impact on most environmental impact categories except for ecotoxicity related impact categories. This is because organic hazelnut production does not use synthetic pesticides, which can harm the environment.
Is The Extra Cost Of Organic Hazelnuts Worth It?
Whether or not you should buy organic hazelnuts depends on your personal preferences and budget. While some people may feel strongly about only eating organic foods, others may be more relaxed about it. If you’re on a tight budget, buying organic hazelnuts may not be possible. However, if you have the extra money to spend, organic hazelnuts may be worth the investment.
Organic hazelnut production is more labor-intensive and requires more effort from workers, which can drive up the cost. However, the benefits of organic production are numerous. Organic hazelnuts are grown without harmful chemicals and are better for both people and the planet. They are also not pasteurized like commercially sold nuts, which means that they retain their highest quality nutrients.
Non-organic hazelnuts may contain leftover pesticides that can be harmful to human health and the environment. While the levels of pesticides in non-organic hazelnuts are generally low, it’s still a concern for some people. Organic hazelnuts are grown without synthetic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, which means that they are healthier and safer to eat.
Where To Buy Organic Hazelnuts
If you’re looking to buy organic hazelnuts, there are several options available. One great place to start is with certified organic suppliers like Wildly Organic and Shiloh Farms. These companies offer organic hazelnuts that are free from harmful chemicals and are grown sustainably.
Wildly Organic offers bulk organic hazelnuts that are soaked and dried under controlled conditions to ensure the highest quality and most delicious flavor. Their nuts are also packaged in vapor barrier bags to protect them from sunlight and moisture.
Shiloh Farms also offers organic hazelnuts that are rich in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. They suggest using hazelnuts in a variety of ways, including as a snack, in homemade nut butter, or ground into flour for baked goods.
You can also find organic hazelnuts at your local health food store or online retailers like Amazon. When purchasing online, make sure to read reviews and check the company’s certifications to ensure that you’re getting high-quality, organic nuts.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the healthiest and most sustainable option for hazelnuts, choosing organic is the way to go. With several reputable suppliers available, it’s easy to find delicious and nutritious organic hazelnuts for all your cooking and snacking needs.
