Hazelnuts are a delicious and versatile nut that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re making a batch of homemade Nutella or adding some crunch to your salad, fresh hazelnuts are the way to go.
But how do you prepare them?
In this article, we’ll explore different roasting techniques and share tips on how to remove the skins for a perfectly roasted hazelnut every time.
So grab a bag of fresh hazelnuts and let’s get started!
How To Prepare Fresh Hazelnuts
The first step in preparing fresh hazelnuts is to remove their hard shells. You can use a nutcracker or a small hammer, but make sure to place the nuts on top of a cutting board and be careful not to harm yourself. The hazelnuts will be covered with a thin skin that will be peeled off after roasting. If you use store-bought raw hazelnuts, you can skip this step.
The easiest and quickest roasting technique is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and toast until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and wrap in a kitchen towel to steam for 1 minute. Rub the nuts in the towel to remove loose skins (don’t worry if there is still some skin left) and cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for 6 months or freezer storage bag in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Another roasting technique is to use a lower temperature for a longer time. Spread whole, raw kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F for 15-20 minutes. Take care not to over roast as nuts can scorch quickly. To remove skins, wrap warm hazelnuts in a dish towel and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rub vigorously in towel.
If you prefer to remove the skins before roasting, you can blanch the hazelnuts by boiling them in water with baking soda for about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then rub the skins off with a kitchen towel or your fingers.
Why Choose Fresh Hazelnuts?
Fresh hazelnuts are a great choice for several reasons. Firstly, they have a better flavor and aroma than stale nuts. When hazelnuts are fresh, they have a sweet and nutty taste and a pleasant aroma. Stale nuts, on the other hand, can taste bland or rancid and have an unpleasant smell.
Secondly, fresh hazelnuts are more nutritious than stale ones. Nuts contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for our health. However, these nutrients can degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or air. Therefore, it’s important to choose fresh nuts to get the most nutritional value out of them.
Thirdly, fresh hazelnuts are safer to eat than old ones. Nuts that have been stored for a long time can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can cause food poisoning or allergic reactions. Fresh nuts are less likely to be contaminated and are safer to consume.
Lastly, fresh hazelnuts are more versatile than stale nuts. Fresh nuts can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet to savory dishes. They can be roasted, chopped, ground, or blended into spreads or sauces. Stale nuts may not have enough flavor or texture to enhance your dishes.
Roasting Hazelnuts: The Basics
Roasting hazelnuts is an essential step in bringing out their nutty and rich flavor. There are various methods to roast hazelnuts, but the most common and easiest one is using the oven.
To roast hazelnuts in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and toast until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and wrap in a kitchen towel to steam for 1 minute. Rub the nuts in the towel to remove loose skins (don’t worry if there is still some skin left) and cool completely.
Alternatively, you can use a lower temperature for a longer time to roast hazelnuts. Spread whole, raw kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F for 15-20 minutes. Take care not to over roast as nuts can scorch quickly. To remove skins, wrap warm hazelnuts in a dish towel and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rub vigorously in towel.
If you prefer to remove the skins before roasting, you can blanch the hazelnuts by boiling them in water with baking soda for about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then rub the skins off with a kitchen towel or your fingers.
Once roasted, store the hazelnuts in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months or freezer storage bag in the freezer for up to 1 year. Roasted hazelnuts are perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes, such as yogurt, pancakes, ice cream, cakes, and more!
Oven Roasting Vs. Stovetop Roasting
When it comes to roasting hazelnuts, there are two main methods: oven roasting and stovetop roasting. Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and the amount of hazelnuts you want to roast.
Oven roasting is the most popular method, as it is quick and easy. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Once done, wrap the hazelnuts in a kitchen towel for a minute to steam, then rub them to remove loose skins. This method is great for large batches of hazelnuts and ensures even roasting.
On the other hand, stovetop roasting is best for smaller amounts of hazelnuts. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add no more than 1 cup of nuts to the skillet in a single layer. Toast for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown. This method requires more attention and stirring but can be more precise than oven roasting.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on the hazelnuts to prevent burning. Once roasted, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 6 months at room temperature or up to 1 year in the freezer.
Removing Hazelnut Skins: The Easy Way
Removing hazelnut skins can be a tedious and frustrating task, but there is an easy way to do it. Instead of using the traditional “roast and rub” method, which involves rubbing the nuts in a towel after roasting, you can blanch the hazelnuts in baking soda and water. This method not only removes the skins more easily but also more completely.
To blanch hazelnuts, bring 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil in a pot. Add 1 cup of untoasted hazelnuts to the boiling water and let them boil for 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the nuts to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the nuts and slip off the skins with a kitchen towel or your fingers.
The hot alkaline water breaks down the pectin, which is the primary component in the skins, making them easier to peel off. This method is especially useful if you need peeled hazelnuts for a recipe or if you want to enjoy them without the bitter skins.
After removing the skins, you can roast the hazelnuts in the oven for added flavor and crunch. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer storage bag.
By using this easy blanching method, you can save time and frustration when preparing fresh hazelnuts.
Storing Fresh Hazelnuts For Maximum Freshness
After roasting or buying fresh hazelnuts, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their maximum freshness. Hazelnuts in their shells can stay fresh for months on end outside of the refrigerator, as the shell naturally keeps out moisture and light that can cause the natural oils to become rancid. However, shelled hazelnuts should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or the fridge to prevent them from going bad. Hazelnuts stored in the fridge can stay fresh for up to six months, while those stored in the freezer can retain their freshness for up to one year.
It’s also important to dry the nuts after picking them, especially if they were harvested a little early. Even if the nuts are dry to the touch, they benefit from extended drying over a period of at least several weeks. The water content of the nut reduces as does the kernel inside, resulting in a much better taste once dried for a couple of months or more. The flavor is also much improved by roasting. Reducing the water content is also important if you intend to store them for longer.
To dry freshly picked hazelnuts, you can use a collapsible mesh drying rack or sling them between two poles covered with mesh. Make sure they are spread out in a single layer and put in a cool garage or dark space with plenty of ventilation to remove moisture. Wherever you store them, make sure they are away from mice and squirrels.
To store hazelnuts for maximum freshness, you can use an airtight container in the pantry or fridge. However, the best way to keep them fresh is by storing them in the freezer. This helps them maintain maximum freshness and flavor and can last up to one year in a resealable bag or container. Chopped, sliced, and ground hazelnuts should be done just before use to keep them fresher longer. Finally, make sure to protect them from foods with strong odors. By following these tips, you can enjoy the full flavor and nutritional benefits of fresh hazelnuts all year round.
Creative Ways To Use Fresh Hazelnuts In Your Cooking
Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some creative ways to incorporate fresh hazelnuts into your cooking:
1. Hazelnut Butter: Just like peanut butter, you can make your own hazelnut butter by blending roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until smooth. Use it as a spread on toast or as a dip for fruit.
2. Hazelnut Crusted Meat: Crushed hazelnuts make for a delicious and crunchy coating for chicken or fish. Simply coat your protein in flour, then dip it in beaten egg before rolling it in crushed hazelnuts. Bake or fry until cooked through.
3. Hazelnut Pesto: Swap out the traditional pine nuts for hazelnuts in your favorite pesto recipe. The nutty flavor of the hazelnuts pairs perfectly with basil and Parmesan cheese.
4. Hazelnut Salad: Toasted hazelnuts make a great addition to any salad, adding a crunch and nutty flavor. Try them in a spinach salad with strawberries and goat cheese, or in a mixed greens salad with apples and blue cheese.
5. Hazelnut Spread: While Nutella is the most well-known hazelnut spread, you can make your own healthier version at home by blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder, honey, and coconut oil.
6. Hazelnut Crème Brûlée: Add chopped hazelnuts to your favorite crème brûlée recipe for a nutty twist on the classic dessert.
7. Hazelnut Coffee: Add a splash of hazelnut syrup or creamer to your morning coffee for a delicious and nutty flavor.
Whether you’re making sweet or savory dishes, fresh hazelnuts are sure to add depth of flavor and crunch to your cooking. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your favorite ways to use this versatile ingredient.