Hazelnuts are a delicious and versatile nut that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from roasted and salted to used in baked goods.
But have you ever wondered how these tasty treats make it from the tree to your plate?
Harvesting hazelnuts is a process that takes time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how hazelnuts are harvested, from when they’re ready to be picked to how they’re processed for consumption.
So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn all about the fascinating world of hazelnut harvesting!
How Do You Harvest Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are typically ready to be harvested in late August through October, depending on your climate. The nuts will fall from the trees when they’re ripe and ready to be picked.
However, it’s important to note that hazelnut bushes usually won’t produce their first nuts until their fourth year, and they won’t come into full nut production until year nine or later. So, patience is key when it comes to hazelnut harvesting.
When the nuts have fallen from the trees, it’s time to start the harvesting process. Farmers will often drive a sweeper through the orchard to gather the nuts into rows between the trees. Then, a harvester will drive down the rows and pick up the nuts.
Once the hazelnuts have been collected, they’re taken to a processor where they may be dried, cleaned, shelled, roasted, and more.
But what if you have a hazelnut bush on your own property? How can you harvest your own hazelnuts?
First, it’s important to wait until the nuts are loose in their husks before picking them. This will help avoid losses to animal predation. In some cases, this may occur when the husks are still green and moist, while in others it may not be until they’re brown and dry.
If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they’re ready to harvest. However, if the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, they need to post-ripen for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation.
Because hazelnuts don’t fall free from the husk from hybrid or American hazelnuts, they must be mechanically removed from the husk. The longer they can hang on the bush to dry, the better. But most growers will pick as soon as the nuts have abscised and are loose in the husk, meaning the husks are still green when picked.
Eventually, the goal is to incorporate removal of green husks into harvesting equipment so de-husking can happen in the field as part of the harvest process.
When Are Hazelnuts Ready To Be Harvested?
Hazelnuts are ready to be harvested when they have fallen from the trees and are loose in their husks. This typically occurs from late August through October, depending on your climate.
It’s important to keep in mind that hazelnut bushes usually won’t produce their first nuts until their fourth year, and they won’t come into full nut production until year nine or later. So, it’s important to be patient when it comes to hazelnut harvesting.
To determine if the hazelnuts are ready to be harvested, you can gently shake the tree limbs to loosen the nuts from their perches. When you see that the nuts are beginning to drop, it’s time to start the harvesting process.
If you’re harvesting hazelnuts from a wild shrub, it’s best to pick them right off the tree when they’re just beginning to turn brown and let them finish ripening at home. Waiting for them to fully ripen and drop can result in them being eaten by wild animals before you can harvest them.
When collecting hazelnuts from your own property, it’s important to wait until the nuts are loose in their husks before picking them. This will help avoid losses to animal predation. In some cases, this may occur when the husks are still green and moist, while in others it may not be until they’re brown and dry.
If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they’re ready to harvest. However, if the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, they need to post-ripen for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation.
How To Pick Hazelnuts: Methods And Tools
There are a few methods and tools you can use to pick hazelnuts from your own hazelnut bush.
One method is to simply wait until the nuts fall from the tree and collect them from the ground below. To make this process easier, you can place tarps under the trees to collect them once they fall, or simply rake them into a pile.
Another method is to shake the tree gently to dislodge the nuts from their perches. This can be done with a long pole or by climbing the tree and shaking it by hand. Be careful not to damage the tree or knock off any unripe nuts.
If you have a small hazelnut bush, you can also pick the nuts by hand. Simply grasp the cluster of nuts and twist it gently until it comes off the branch.
When picking hazelnuts, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp husks. You should also wear long sleeves and pants to avoid getting scratched by the branches.
To collect the nuts, you can use a basket or bucket. Make sure to inspect each nut for signs of damage or insect infestation before adding it to your collection.
After you’ve harvested your hazelnuts, it’s important to dry them properly before storing or using them. Spread them out in a single layer on a screen in a warm, dry location and stir daily for two to four weeks until they’re thoroughly dried.
Sorting And Cleaning Hazelnuts
Once the hazelnuts have been harvested, they need to be sorted and cleaned before being processed further. The first step in this process is to remove any debris or foreign objects that may have been collected during harvesting. This can include leaves, sticks, and other detritus.
Next, the hazelnuts need to be sorted to remove any damaged or defective nuts. This is typically done using specialized equipment that can detect and remove nuts with cracks, mold, or other issues. Growers also need to be vigilant about removing foreign objects from the nuts, such as glass, acorns, or other nuts that can pose a safety hazard or contaminate the product.
Once the sorting process is complete, the hazelnuts need to be cleaned to remove any remaining debris or foreign objects. This can be done using air blowers or other equipment that can gently remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Finally, the hazelnuts may need to be dried before being stored or processed further. This can be done using specialized drying equipment or by simply spreading the nuts out in a thin layer and allowing them to air dry.
Drying And Storing Hazelnuts
Once the hazelnuts have been harvested, they must be dried in order to store them properly. This is particularly important if you are harvesting them a little early or if the weather has been wet. Even if the nuts are dry to the touch, they benefit from extended drying over a period of at least several weeks.
Reducing the water content is important if you intend to store them for longer. The water content of the nut reduces as does the kernel inside. There are also chemical changes to the kernel that probably depend on the temperature and extent of drying. In fact, I believe that the nuts taste much better once dried for a couple of months or more. The flavor is much improved by roasting too.
There are many methods for drying hazelnuts, but one of the easiest ways is to use a collapsible mesh drying rack that packs away when not in use. Simply spread the nuts out on the four layers and put them in a cool garage in the dark. The space should have plenty of ventilation to remove the moisture. Alternatively, you can sling them between two poles covered with mesh. That works fine but is a little slower and the nuts need turning every so often.
It’s important to make sure that wherever you put them, they are away from mice and squirrels. If you intend to store them in their shells, they can be stored at room temperature for several months. However, if you shell them, eat them within a few weeks or store them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
To increase their shelf life, wait to process them until just before use. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hazelnuts stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Processing Hazelnuts For Consumption: Roasting And Beyond
Once the hazelnuts have been harvested, they can be processed for consumption in a variety of ways. One popular method is roasting, which brings out the nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
To roast hazelnuts at home, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the skins start to crack and the nuts turn golden brown. Be careful not to over-roast them, as this can cause the nuts to become bitter.
Once the hazelnuts are roasted, you can remove the skins by rubbing them in a kitchen towel or using a second method involving baking soda in boiling water. The latter method involves boiling the nuts in water with baking soda for 3-4 minutes, draining them, and then rubbing them in a towel to remove the skins.
Roasted hazelnuts can be eaten as a snack or used in a variety of recipes, such as homemade granola or Nutella spread. They can also be chopped or ground up and used as a topping for ice cream or baked goods.
If you’re looking for something beyond roasting, hazelnuts can also be used to make hazelnut butter or hazelnut milk. To make hazelnut butter, simply blend roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. Hazelnut milk can be made by blending soaked hazelnuts with water and straining out the pulp.
No matter how you choose to process your hazelnuts, they’re sure to add a delicious and nutritious touch to your meals and snacks.