Hazelnuts are a versatile and delicious nut that have been enjoyed for centuries.
From baking to confectionery, hazelnuts have found their way into a variety of culinary creations.
But did you know that hazelnuts also offer numerous health benefits?
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of hazelnuts, from their culinary applications to their potential health benefits.
So grab a handful of these tasty nuts and let’s dive in!
What Are Hazelnuts Used For
Hazelnuts are used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking and confectionery. They are often used to make praline, a sweet confection made from caramelized sugar and ground hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are also commonly used in combination with chocolate for chocolate truffles and products such as chocolate bars and hazelnut cocoa spread, such as Nutella.
Hazelnut oil, which is pressed from hazelnuts, is strongly flavored and used as a cooking oil. It can add a rich, nutty flavor to dishes such as salads, dressings, and sauces.
In addition to their culinary uses, hazelnuts also offer numerous health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Hazelnuts are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to have heart health benefits. The antioxidants found in hazelnuts may also help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage cell structure and promote aging, cancer, and heart disease.
Culinary Uses Of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They add a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, muffins, and tarts. Hazelnuts are particularly valued as a dessert nut and are often used in tortes and for their affinity with chocolate.
Hazelnuts can also be used to add flavor and texture to savory dishes. They pair well with seafood, salads, pesto, and even pizza. Coarsely chopped hazelnuts make a delicious topping for steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and asparagus. Finely ground hazelnuts can also be used as a stuffing for mushroom caps as a tasty appetizer.
Toasting hazelnuts enhances their nuttiness and sweet flavor, making them a great addition to any dessert. They can be ground, chopped, and stirred through cake batter or sprinkled on top of a tart for added crunch. Hazelnuts can also be included as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, and pancakes.
In addition to their culinary uses, hazelnuts can also be used to make hazelnut milk or spread similar to peanut butter. Hazelnut oil is strongly flavored and can be used as a cooking oil to add a rich nutty flavor to dishes such as salads, dressings, and sauces.
Hazelnuts In Confectionery
Hazelnuts are a popular ingredient in confectionery due to their rich, nutty flavor and versatility. They are often used to make praline, a type of candy made by caramelizing sugar and combining it with ground hazelnuts. Praline can be used as a filling for chocolates, cakes, and pastries, or enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat.
Hazelnuts are also commonly used in combination with chocolate for chocolate truffles and other confectionery products. The combination of the smooth, creamy texture of chocolate and the crunchy texture of hazelnuts is a classic pairing that is beloved by many.
Another popular confectionery product that uses hazelnuts is Nutella. This hazelnut cocoa spread has become a household name and is enjoyed all over the world. Nutella is made from a combination of hazelnuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil, and can be used as a spread on toast or as an ingredient in baking.
Hazelnuts can also be used to add texture and flavor to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and pies. They can be chopped and mixed into the batter or used as a topping for added crunch.
Hazelnuts In Baking
Hazelnuts are a popular ingredient in baking, adding a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture to a wide range of baked goods. They can be used in a variety of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, muffins, and tarts.
One of the most popular uses of hazelnuts in baking is in combination with chocolate. Hazelnuts and chocolate pair perfectly together, creating a rich and decadent flavor that is hard to resist. Hazelnuts can be chopped and added to chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or cakes for an extra crunch and nutty taste. They can also be ground into a fine powder and used as a substitute for flour in chocolate cakes or brownies.
Hazelnuts can also be used as a topping for baked goods, adding both flavor and texture. They can be sprinkled on top of cakes or muffins before baking or added as a garnish after baking. Hazelnuts can also be used to make a delicious crust for cheesecakes or pies, providing a crunchy base that complements the creamy filling.
In addition to sweet baked goods, hazelnuts can also be used in savory baking. They can be added to bread dough for an extra nutty flavor or used as a topping for savory tarts or quiches. Hazelnuts can also be used to make savory crackers or biscuits, providing a delicious snack that pairs well with cheese or dips.
To use hazelnuts in baking, it is important to toast them first to bring out their full flavor. Simply spread the hazelnuts out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, the hazelnuts can be chopped or ground as needed for your recipe.
Hazelnut Butter And Oil
Hazelnut butter is a delicious and healthy spread made from crushed and blended hazelnuts. It can be used as a substitute for peanut butter and is a great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods. Hazelnut butter can be made by roasting hazelnuts in the oven, rubbing off the skins, and blending the nuts in a food processor or blender until they turn into a smooth paste. Hazelnut butter is high in natural fats and susceptible to oil separation, so it should be stirred before use to distribute the oils evenly and refrigerated after opening to slow re-separation and prevent spoilage.
Hazelnut oil, on the other hand, is extracted from roasted hazelnuts through a cold-pressing process. This oil is strongly flavored and used as a cooking oil. It can add a rich, nutty flavor to dishes such as salads, dressings, and sauces. Hazelnut oil is also high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Health Benefits Of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts offer a variety of health benefits that make them a great addition to a healthy diet. One of the most significant benefits of hazelnuts is their ability to improve heart health. Hazelnuts are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. They also contain high amounts of phenolic compounds, which help to reduce cholesterol and inflammation, further promoting heart health.
Hazelnuts may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. The antioxidants found in hazelnuts, such as vitamin E and proanthocyanidins, help protect against oxidative stress that can contribute to cancer development. In test tube and animal studies, proanthocyanidins have been shown to prevent and treat certain types of cancer. While further studies are needed to determine if the same results hold true for humans, the initial findings are promising.
Hazelnuts are also a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, and copper. These nutrients act as powerful antioxidants, fighting off damaging free radicals in the body and helping to prevent major diseases and illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Hazelnuts are also high in dietary fiber, which can promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
In addition to their health benefits, hazelnuts are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. From baking to cooking, hazelnuts can add a rich, nutty flavor to dishes like salads, dressings, and sauces. Hazelnut oil is also a great cooking oil option that can add flavor to dishes without the need for additional seasoning.
Rich In Nutrients
Hazelnuts are a powerhouse of nutrients, making them a great addition to any diet. They are high in calories but packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. One ounce of hazelnuts (about 20 whole kernels) contains 176 calories, 17 grams of total fat, 4.2 grams of protein, and 4.7 grams of carbohydrates. They are also a rich source of dietary fiber, providing 2.7 grams per serving.
Hazelnuts are particularly high in vitamin E, with one ounce providing 21% of the recommended daily intake. They also contain thiamin (12% RDI), magnesium (12% RDI), copper (24% RDI), and manganese (87% RDI). These minerals play important roles in various bodily functions, such as nerve function, bone health, and metabolism.
Additionally, hazelnuts are a rich source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids like oleic acid. These healthy fats have been shown to have heart health benefits by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improving overall cholesterol profiles.
However, it is important to note that hazelnuts contain phytic acid, which can impair the absorption of certain minerals like iron and zinc from the nuts. To maximize nutrient absorption, it is best to eat hazelnuts with other foods that enhance mineral absorption or to soak or roast them before consuming.
Overall, hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious food that can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet. Whether eaten as a snack or added to baked goods and other dishes, they offer a wide range of health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile.
