Hazelnuts are a delicious and versatile nut that can be used in a variety of recipes. But have you ever wondered what wild hazelnuts look like?
If you’re interested in foraging for these tasty treats, it’s important to know how to identify them in the wild. In this article, we’ll explore the key identifying features of wild hazelnuts, where to find them, and how to harvest and use them.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of wild hazelnuts!
What Do Wild Hazelnuts Look Like
Wild hazelnuts come in two varieties: American hazelnut and beaked hazelnut. Both types are native to North America and can be found in various regions across the continent.
The American hazelnut is a shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Its leaves are heart-shaped and have toothed edges. The front of the leaf is darker than the back, and the leaves are fuzzy to the touch. The plant also produces male flowers called catkins.
The beaked hazelnut is also a shrub, but it prefers shady habitats and does not grow as tall as the American hazelnut. Its leaves are similar in shape and texture to the American hazelnut, but it can be distinguished by its jutting husks.
Both types of wild hazelnuts produce nuts that are smaller than commercially grown European varieties. The nuts are encased in a sturdy husk that opens on its own once dried. When ripe, the husk will be mostly green with patches of color ranging from rosy red to brown.
Introduction To Wild Hazelnuts
If you’re interested in foraging for wild nuts, then you might want to consider looking for wild hazelnuts. These nuts are native to North America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and along riverbanks. Wild hazelnuts are smaller than their commercially grown counterparts, but they are still delicious and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
Identifying wild hazelnuts can be a bit tricky, as there are two different types of shrubs that produce them: American hazelnut and beaked hazelnut. Both types have similar leaves that are heart-shaped with toothed edges. The American hazelnut can grow up to 15 feet tall and produces male flowers called catkins. The beaked hazelnut, on the other hand, prefers shady habitats and has jutting husks that distinguish it from the American hazelnut.
When ripe, the nuts of both types of wild hazelnuts are encased in a sturdy husk that opens on its own once dried. The husk will be mostly green with patches of color ranging from rosy red to brown. While wild hazelnuts may be smaller than commercially grown varieties, they are still packed with flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. So if you’re interested in foraging for wild nuts, be sure to keep an eye out for these delicious treats!
Identifying Wild Hazelnuts: Key Features To Look For
When identifying wild hazelnuts, there are a few key features to look for. First, examine the leaves of the shrub. They should have a heart shape with toothed edges and be fuzzy to the touch. The front of the leaf should be darker than the back, and the leaves should alternate on the stem.
Next, look for male flowers called catkins on the plant. These are long, cylindrical structures that hang from the branches and release pollen into the air.
When it comes to the nuts themselves, they will be encased in a husk that opens on its own once dried. The husk will be mostly green with patches of color ranging from rosy red to brown when ripe. The nuts will be smaller than commercially grown European varieties and will have a distinct nutty flavor that is similar to, if not better than, commercially produced nuts.
It’s important to note that there are two species of wild hazelnuts: American hazelnut and beaked hazelnut. While they share many similarities in appearance, the beaked hazelnut can be distinguished by its jutting husks and preference for shady habitats.
Where To Find Wild Hazelnuts
Wild hazelnuts can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland areas, scrub land, hedgerows, and disturbed habitats such as trailheads, trail edges, utility lines, fields, railroads, burn sites, logging cuts, log yards, fencerows, and river valleys. They tend to grow on the edges of places where they get good sun exposure, so keep an eye out for them while walking in these areas.
In North America, American hazelnuts can be found throughout the Midwest, East, and Southeast of the United States and Canada. Beaked hazelnuts are found in western Washington and Oregon, in much of Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, New York, all of New England and pretty much the entire Appalachian Mountain Range. Refer to a map to discover if wild hazelnuts are growing in your state.
When searching for wild hazelnuts, it’s important to keep in mind that the shrubs can blend into the surrounding vegetation and may be difficult to spot. Look for them at about eye level while scanning from side to side. Additionally, keep an eye out for the distinctive husks of beaked hazelnuts which are long and tubular with tiny spines. The husks of American hazelnuts are short, ruffled and mildly sticky.
Wild hazelnuts tend to be young and green when found in the wild due to birds and small animals taking them before they can mature into edible brown nuts. However, with a little extra effort you can still enjoy these tasty treats.
Harvesting Wild Hazelnuts: Tips And Techniques
Harvesting wild hazelnuts can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires some knowledge and preparation. Here are some tips and techniques to help you successfully gather wild hazelnuts:
1. Timing: The timing of the wild hazelnut harvest is crucial. It can vary from one year to the next and from one region to another. Generally, the nuts will ripen around the end of August and into September. Look for the nut sheath, called an involucre, to be mostly still green but with patches of color ranging from rosy red to brown. This is the stage when the nuts are ripe but have not yet been pursued by animals.
2. Location: Wild hazelnuts can be found in various regions across North America, including Northern and Central California, western Washington and Oregon, much of Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, New York, all of New England and pretty much the entire Appalachian Mountain Range. Look for hazels near little streams and on roadsides. They also grow close to the shoreline on the Pacific Coast.
3. Identification: Make sure you know what you are looking for before you start harvesting. Wild hazelnuts come in two varieties: American hazelnut and beaked hazelnut. Both types are shrubs with heart-shaped leaves that have toothed edges and are fuzzy to the touch. The American hazelnut produces male flowers called catkins, while the beaked hazelnut can be distinguished by its jutting husks.
4. Quantity: Wild hazelnuts are admittedly small, but they can be more prolific in sunny locations with adequate rainfall. Nut size also improves when clusters contain smaller numbers of nuts (perhaps 3 or less).
5. Sustainability: Remember to forage sustainably so that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife. Do not take more than you need, and leave some for animals to enjoy.
6. Drying: Once you have collected your nuts, they will need to be dried. Remove the husks and spread the nuts out in a warm, dry, dark place, like an airing cupboard. Remember to move them often to ensure even drying.
By following these tips and techniques, you can successfully harvest and enjoy the delicious and nutritious wild hazelnuts that nature has to offer.
Using Wild Hazelnuts In Recipes
Wild hazelnuts can be used in a variety of recipes, providing a sweet, toasty, rich and crunchy flavor. They can be used interchangeably with store-bought hazelnuts or filberts in any recipe.
One simple way to enjoy wild hazelnuts is to eat them raw as a healthy snack or chop them up and add them to salads for extra crunch. They can also be finely ground into flour for baking.
For a more luxurious treat, wild hazelnuts can be blended with water, simmered with warm spices and a little maple syrup to create a creamy nut milk that is perfect for lattes, smoothies or even drinking on its own.
Wild hazelnuts are also great for making nut butter or chocolate hazelnut bark. They can be added to ice cream for an extra crunch, or used in baked goods like pies and cakes.
For a unique twist on ice cream, try making autumnberry hazelnut ice cream pie or elderberry ice cream with chocolate hazelnut crunch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using wild hazelnuts in recipes.
When using wild hazelnuts in recipes, it’s important to note that they are smaller than commercially grown European varieties. This means that you may need to adjust the amount of nuts called for in the recipe or chop them up into smaller pieces.
Conclusion: Enjoying The Bounty Of Wild Hazelnuts
If you’re lucky enough to come across a wild hazelnut shrub during the late summer or early fall, you may be able to harvest some of these tasty treats for yourself. However, it’s important to note that state regulations may vary when it comes to foraging for wild nuts on public lands.
Assuming you have permission to harvest, the best way to gather wild hazelnuts is to simply pick them off the ground. The husks will have already opened up, revealing the small, brown nuts inside. You can eat them raw or roast them for a nuttier flavor.
Wild hazelnuts can also be used in a variety of recipes. They are a popular ingredient in baked goods like cakes and cookies, and they can also be added to savory dishes like salads or roasted vegetables. Just keep in mind that their smaller size and stronger flavor may require some adjustment in your cooking.
Overall, wild hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious treat that are well worth seeking out. Just be sure to follow local regulations and respect the natural environment while gathering them.
