Hazelnuts are a beloved nut, used in a variety of food products and enjoyed by many. But have you ever wondered where they come from?
Hazelnut-producing regions are all close to large bodies of water, which moderate the climate. The majority of the world’s hazelnut production comes from the Black Sea region of northern Turkey, followed by Italy, Spain, France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the United States.
In fact, almost all hazelnuts consumed in North America are sourced from either Oregon or Turkey. But did you know that hazelnut trees are native to many parts of the Northern Hemisphere?
In this article, we’ll explore where hazelnuts grow and their fascinating history.
Where Do They Grow Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are grown in regions with moderate climates and close proximity to large bodies of water. The Black Sea region of northern Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world, accounting for about 70% of global production. Italy is the second-largest producer, contributing about 20% of the world’s hazelnuts. Other countries that produce hazelnuts include Spain, France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the United States.
In the United States, almost all commercially produced hazelnuts come from the Pacific Northwest coastal valleys, which are influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces approximately 99% of the hazelnuts grown in the US, with Washington producing the remaining 1%. This region represents only 3-5% of global hazelnut production.
Interestingly, hazelnut trees are native to many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America. The native hazelnut trees (Corylus americana) are hardy and disease-resistant, making them adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. However, they tend to produce smaller nuts that are not as tasty as European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), which have been selectively bred for quality over hundreds and thousands of years.
Hybridization of the two hazelnut species over the past century has yielded new varieties that have the best qualities of both. Hazelnut organizations have formed to promote growing this native crop with improved qualities.
Hazelnut Origins And History
The hazelnut has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is one of the few nuts that originated in Europe and is the fruit of the ‘hazel’, a large shrub that is particularly common in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The Greeks and Romans were among the first to discover the typical taste of hazelnuts.
In fact, evidence of large-scale Mesolithic nut processing was found in a midden pit on the island of Colonsay in Scotland, dating back to 6000 BC. This discovery gives us an insight into communal activity and planning during this period. The nuts were harvested in a single year, and pollen analysis suggests that all of the hazel trees were cut down at the same time. The scale of the activity and the lack of large game on the island suggest that Colonsay may have contained a community with a largely vegetarian diet for the time they spent on the island.
Hazelnuts have been an important part of human diets for centuries. They were once of vital importance from the Mesolithic into the Bronze Age, 8,000 to 3,000 years ago, in northeastern Europe. The European hazel, Corylus avellana, was one of the first temperate shrubs to colonize land after the retreat of ice sheets. In Ireland, Hazels established themselves about 10,000 years ago. Judging from pollen samples, they probably reached their peak spread about 8,000 years ago. After that, the arrival of broadleaf forest (oak and elm) would have overshadowed the low-growing hazels, forcing them to more peripheral habitat.
Hazelnuts not only provided food but also wood for firewood and charcoal-making. They may also have been used for construction purposes such as dwellings, trackways, drying racks, fish weirs, fencing, palisades, etc. The leaves also seem to have been an optional fodder for domesticated animals.
Today, hazelnuts are still a popular nut, and their cultivation has spread to many parts of the world. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts, followed by Italy, Spain, the U.S., and Greece. Hazelnuts are grown in regions with moderate climates and close proximity to large bodies of water. In the United States, almost all commercially produced hazelnuts come from the Pacific Northwest coastal valleys, which are influenced by the Pacific Ocean.
Hazelnut Production Around The World
Hazelnut production is concentrated in regions with moderate climates and close proximity to large bodies of water. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world, accounting for about 70% of global production. Italy is the second-largest producer, contributing about 20% of the world’s hazelnuts. Other countries that produce hazelnuts include Spain, France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the United States.
The hazelnut industry is a significant contributor to the economy of many regions around the world. For example, Ordu province in Turkey relies on hazelnut production for up to 80% of its economic activity. Hazelnut production has also been a significant source of income for Oregon farmers in the United States, with hazelnuts being the state’s top agricultural export.
Hazelnut-producing regions of the world are all close to large bodies of water, which moderate the climate. The Black Sea region of northern Turkey is particularly well-suited to hazelnut production due to its climate and soil conditions. The region’s impossibly lush green hills account for a full one-third of the world’s hazelnut supply.
Hazelnut production outside of Turkey is significantly lower than in Turkey, with Italy being the second-largest producer. Spain, France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the United States also produce hazelnuts, but on a smaller scale. In the United States, almost all commercially produced hazelnuts come from the Pacific Northwest coastal valleys, which are influenced by the Pacific Ocean.
Despite being native to many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) are more commonly grown due to their superior quality and taste. Hybridization of native hazelnut trees with European varieties has yielded new varieties that have the best qualities of both. Hazelnut organizations have formed to promote growing this native crop with improved qualities.
The Top Hazelnut-Producing Countries
Hazelnuts are a popular crop all over the world, but there are a few countries that are responsible for producing most of the world’s hazelnuts. The top hazelnut-producing country is Turkey, which accounts for approximately 70% of the world’s production. Italy is the second-largest producer, with nearly 20% of the world’s production. Other important hazelnut-producing countries include Spain, the United States, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and France.
Turkey’s dominance in the hazelnut industry is due to its ideal climate and soil conditions for growing hazelnut trees. The Black Sea region of northern Turkey has a moderate climate and is close to large bodies of water, making it an ideal location for growing hazelnuts. Italy also has favorable climate conditions for growing hazelnuts, which is why it is the second-largest producer.
In the United States, almost all commercially produced hazelnuts come from the Pacific Northwest coastal valleys, with Oregon’s Willamette Valley producing approximately 99% of the hazelnuts grown in the country. This region represents only a small fraction of global hazelnut production.
While other countries such as Spain, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and France also produce hazelnuts, they do not have as significant an impact on the world hazelnut trade as Turkey and Italy. However, these countries still play an important role in supplying their domestic markets with hazelnuts.
Hazelnuts In North America: Oregon And Beyond
Hazelnuts are a valuable crop in North America, with the vast majority of production taking place in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This region has a moderate climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which is ideal for hazelnut cultivation. In fact, Oregon produces 99% of the hazelnuts grown in the United States, with Washington contributing the remaining 1%.
Hazelnut trees are resilient to drought, but reliable crops can only be produced under moderate climatic conditions. The three native varieties of hazelnut in the US – the California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica), the beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), and the American hazelnut (Corylus americana) – are not typically grown as crops. However, they can be hybridized with the European hazelnut to create a disease-resistant cultivar.
Hazelnuts are not only valuable as a crop but also have environmental benefits. Hazelnut trees store carbon, reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitat. Their production has expanded in the region over the last 15 years.
While Oregon dominates hazelnut production in North America, there is potential for growth in other regions as well. Scientists working on specially-bred hazelnuts believe that the Midwest is poised for a surge in hazelnut growth. This would diversify production and increase availability of this delicious nut across the country. However, for now, Oregon remains America’s hazelnut king.
Hazelnut Varieties And Uses
There are several varieties of hazelnuts, each with its unique characteristics and uses. The most commonly grown commercial variety is the European hazelnut, which produces large, round nuts that are used in a variety of food products, including Nutella, chocolate truffles, and Frangelico liqueur. The European hazelnut is also used for making baskets, tool handles, fencing, and lightweight coracle boats.
In addition to the European hazelnut, there are several other varieties of hazelnuts that are grown for their nuts. American hazelnuts and beaked hazelnuts are two varieties that have good flavor and are most likely to produce consistently. Hybrid varieties that combine the best qualities of both the American and European hazelnuts have also been developed.
Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. They can be used in sweet or savory dishes and add a rich, nutty flavor to any recipe. Hazelnuts can be roasted or toasted to bring out their flavor and can be chopped or ground into a paste to use in desserts like cakes, cookies, and pies. Hazelnut oil is also used in food products and cosmetics.
Aside from their culinary uses, hazelnuts have also been used for their medicinal properties. They are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Hazelnuts have also been found to improve brain function and memory.
Hazelnut Cultivation And Harvesting Techniques
Hazelnut cultivation requires proper planning and preparation to ensure a successful harvest. Hazelnut trees are easy to grow and can produce sweet and delicious nuts. Before starting a hazelnut farm, it is essential to prepare a perfect hazelnut farming business plan.
Hazelnut trees can be propagated in several ways, including starting them from seed, transplanting nursery stock, or growing them from runners. Hazelnuts start producing three to five years after planting, and nuts are usually harvested in August and September, or as late as October, depending on the agricultural zone and variety.
As the leaves and burrs start to turn color, it is time to begin harvesting. If you do not want to harvest off the tree, you can let the nuts fall to the ground and rake them up every few days. However, keep in mind that hungry animals may make off with your bounty if you let them fall. Otherwise, the nuts are easy to shuck from the burr by shaking the tree.
Mature hazelnut plants yield about one to two gallons of nuts per bush or up to 20 pounds. The nuts need to dry for several days before storing. You can lay them out on a tarp in sunny weather or on a rack inside. You can store them in the freezer for up to six months.
When planting hazelnut trees, select a site that is 15 to 20 feet apart with well-draining soil and a sunny area. Dig a hole that is deep enough for the root ball and twice as wide. Wet the roots of the tree thoroughly before planting them in the hole, allowing the top part to be level with the soil line. Return soil to the hole, tamping it down as you go to remove air pockets. Add two gallons of water when the hole is 75% full. Then top with the remaining soil, mounding it up at the base, leaving a couple of inches between the trunk and the surrounding soil.
Hazelnut trees are quite hardy, but satisfactory crops are produced only under moderate climatic conditions. Thus, commercial hazelnut production in North America is limited to areas with moderate climates, such as the Willamette Valley of Oregon and the western regions of Washington and British Columbia. Hazelnut trees might produce a few nuts when they are 2 or 3 years old, but they are not considered commercially productive until 4 years of age. Mature orchards produce from less than 2,000 pounds of dry nuts per acre (2.24 metric tons per hectare) to more than 4,000 pounds per acre (4.48 metric tons per hectare). An orchard can remain productive for about 40–50 years if managed well and kept free of disease.
In conclusion, hazelnuts are easy to cultivate and harvest, but proper planning and preparation are essential for a successful harvest. The United States’ Pacific Northwest coastal valleys are the largest producer of hazelnuts in the country, while Turkey is the largest producer globally. With proper care and management, hazelnut trees can provide a consistent and bountiful harvest for many years.
