Are you lucky enough to have a hazelnut tree in your backyard?
Harvesting these delicious nuts is a breeze, as they simply fall from the tree when they’re ripe.
But what do you do with them once you’ve collected them?
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to dry and store your freshly picked hazelnuts, as well as some tasty recipes to make the most of your harvest.
So grab a basket and let’s get cracking!
What To Do With Fresh Picked Hazelnuts
Once you’ve collected your hazelnuts, it’s important to dry them properly to ensure they last longer and taste better. Even if they feel dry to the touch, it’s recommended to dry them for at least several weeks to reduce the water content and improve the flavor.
To dry your hazelnuts, you can either leave them in their husks or remove them before drying. If you choose to leave them in their husks, use a collapsible mesh drying rack and place them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. If you prefer to remove the husks, do so before they dry too far to speed up the drying process.
Once your hazelnuts are dry, it’s time to store them properly. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place away from mice and squirrels. This will ensure they stay fresh for several months.
Drying And Storing Hazelnuts: Tips And Tricks
Drying and storing hazelnuts can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, you can ensure that your hazelnuts stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Tip #1: Wait until the clusters are dry to remove the nuts from the bracts. This will make it easier to remove the outer bracts and ensure that your hazelnuts are properly dried.
Tip #2: Spread your hazelnuts out in a single layer on trays or screens in a warm, dry place out of the sun. Turn them every few days until the outer bracts are easy to remove. This should take about two to four weeks.
Tip #3: If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a dehydrator set to 90-105°F. This will dry your hazelnuts in just one or two days.
Tip #4: To store your hazelnuts, keep them in the shell at room temperature for several months. If you’ve shelled them, eat them within a few weeks or store them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
Tip #5: To increase their shelf life, wait to process your hazelnuts until just before use. This will ensure that they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Tip #6: If you don’t have enough space in your fridge or freezer, you can store your hazelnuts in a cool and dark place, away from heat sources. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture and pests from getting in.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your freshly picked hazelnuts stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. So go ahead and enjoy the rich and nutty flavor of hazelnuts all year round!
Roasting Hazelnuts: A Simple And Delicious Snack
Roasting hazelnuts is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile nut. Not only does it amplify their flavor, but it also makes them crunchy and perfect for snacking. To roast hazelnuts, you can use either the oven or stovetop method.
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and place raw hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until the skins crack. Once done, transfer the warm nuts to a clean kitchen towel and roll them up. Rub the nuts in the towel between your hands until most of the skins have come off. If you’re having trouble removing the skins, toast the nuts for a few more minutes until they’re slightly darker in color. Alternatively, you can agitate the nuts in a coarse sieve or colander set over a bowl to break off the skins.
For the stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and add raw hazelnuts in a single layer. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re lightly browned and fragrant. Once done, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and rub them vigorously to remove any loose skins.
Once your hazelnuts are roasted and skinned, you can add some extra flavor by tossing them in melted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil before baking. You can also add a bit of sea salt or spices like garlic salt or paprika to bring out their natural nutty flavor. Roasted hazelnuts make a great healthy snack on their own or can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, roasted vegetables, and desserts. You can even grind them into a rich baking flour to use in your favorite recipes.
Hazelnut Butter: A Healthy And Versatile Spread
Hazelnut butter is a delicious and healthy spread that can be made using fresh picked hazelnuts. This versatile spread can be used in a variety of ways, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
To make hazelnut butter, start by roasting the hazelnuts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper at 325°F for 15 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, remove the skins by rubbing them vigorously in a clean kitchen towel. Then, add the hazelnuts to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Hazelnut butter is a great alternative to traditional peanut butter, as it is lower in saturated fat and higher in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
This healthy spread can be used in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on toast or crackers, adding it to smoothies or oatmeal, or using it as a dip for fruits and vegetables. It can also be used in baking recipes such as cookies and cakes to add a rich nutty flavor.
For those who prefer flavored spreads, hazelnut butter can easily be customized by adding ingredients such as cocoa powder for a chocolate hazelnut spread or honey for a sweetened version.
Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: A Decadent Treat
One of the most decadent treats you can make with fresh hazelnuts is a homemade hazelnut chocolate spread. This spread is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and indulging in a rich and creamy treat.
To make this spread, all you need are three simple ingredients: hazelnuts, white chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate, and powdered sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, but this is optional.
To start, roast your hazelnuts in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until they start to brown and the skins loosen. Once they’ve cooled, remove the skins by rubbing them in a clean dish towel. Then, process the hazelnuts in a food processor until they become creamy nut butter.
Next, melt your chocolate in the microwave or on a double boiler, and mix it with your hazelnut butter until it’s well combined. Finally, add powdered sugar to taste and mix well.
This spread is perfect for dipping your favorite snacks like fruit or pretzels, or using as a topping for desserts like cakes or ice cream. You can even use it to make stuffed strawberries by filling the center of each berry with Nutella and dipping them in melted chocolate and hazelnuts.
Hazelnut Crusted Chicken: A Nutty Twist On A Classic Dish
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to use your freshly picked hazelnuts, why not try incorporating them into a classic dish like herb crusted chicken? This fragrant coating can be easily adapted to include hazelnuts instead of the traditional almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
To make hazelnut crusted chicken, start by finely chopping your toasted hazelnuts and mixing them with breadcrumbs, chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip your chicken breasts in beaten egg and then coat them in the hazelnut mixture before baking in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
The result is a nutty and flavorful twist on a classic dish that pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and sautéed potatoes. You can also try using this coating for other meats like turkey, lamb, rose veal, or pork schnitzel.
This recipe is adapted from Too Good To Waste by Victoria Glass, published by Watkins Media. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delicious and unique take on herb crusted chicken?
Hazelnut Torte: A Rich And Elegant Dessert
If you’re looking for a way to showcase your fresh picked hazelnuts in a fancy and impressive dessert, look no further than a Hazelnut Torte. This rich and elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
To make the torte, you’ll need roasted and skinned hazelnuts, which can easily be made at home by roasting them in the oven and rubbing off the skins with a towel. The hazelnuts are then finely ground in a food processor with flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, eggs and sugar are beaten until thickened and light yellow, then vanilla and whipped cream are added before folding in the hazelnut mixture.
The batter is divided into two round baking pans and baked until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, the cake layers are cut in half horizontally to create four thin layers. A Whipped Cream Frosting is spread between each layer, along with raspberry preserves for a burst of fruity flavor.
To finish off the torte, a thin layer of Whipped Cream Frosting is spread over the sides of the cake before piping a shell border along the top and bottom edge. Fresh raspberries are arranged on top of the cake and dusted with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
The result is a decadent and impressive dessert that will have your guests raving. And don’t let the gluten-free title deter you – this torte lacks nothing in flavor or texture. So go ahead and impress your guests with this Hazelnut Torte – they’ll never know how easy it was to make!