Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts Covered With Chili (Organic) - 227g - Organic Traditions

HAZELNUTS

Hazelnuts are not just for making Nutella - this tasty nut is good for your heart and your waistline... 

When combined with chocolate, hazelnuts make unforgettable treats like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolates. The world loves this combination and because of that, Ferrero buys approximately 25% of the world's hazelnut supply each year.

What are Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts, which are also called filberts or cobnuts, are produced by hazel trees. The trees grow all over the world in temperate climates and the world's largest producers of hazelnuts are found in Turkey, supplying approximately 70% of the world's demand. In the U.S., Oregon is the largest producer and in Canada, most hazelnuts are grown in British Columbia. Unfortunately, in 2014, Turkey suffered severe weather conditions that interfered with the growing season of hazelnuts, causing hazelnut prices to skyrocket.

Hazelnuts are either harvested by hand or are mechanically raked up after they have fallen from the tree. Interestingly, most commercial growers wait until most of the nuts have fallen on their own before they collect them. Hazelnuts ripen in late August, which is the best time to find the most flavourful nuts. If you keep them in their shell and store them in a dry, cool place, they can last for a few years.

What are Hazelnuts used for?

Cardiovascular disease – Hazelnuts are high in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that work to protect the heart and blood vessels from plaque build-up. Eating 1.5oz daily can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Weight loss – A review of 31 studies found that incorporating nuts in to your diet promotes weight loss, especially when eating nuts replaces other foods. Hazelnuts are a good source of protein, healthy fat and fibre, which is exactly the macro-nutrients needed to keep your blood sugar stable and to promote healthy weight loss. Add hazelnuts to trail mixes or eat a small handful (10-15nuts) as a snack. Hazelnuts also contain B vitamins which help combat stress, improve mood, which will also support weight loss.

Cellular support – Hazelnuts are a rich source of antioxidants and contain plant compounds called phenolic acids and flavanols, which may help protect against chronic diseases like cell growths.

Bone and Joint Health - Hazelnuts are rich in manganese which is essential for the growth and strength of bones and helps fight against osteoporosis. Also high in magnesium to help build the structure and strength of the skeletal system. It is a key mineral for bone health.

Digestive Health - Manganese also activates enzymes to promote protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Also the high fibre content found in hazelnuts promotes regular bowel movements helping maintain a healthy digestive system.

Nutritious superfood – Hazelnuts are high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron. Compared to all other nuts, hazelnuts have the highest amount of folate, which is very important for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy. Hazelnuts are also high in B vitamins and vitamin E.

How do you use Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are great for snacking. They make a nutritious snack on their own or are very tasty in trail mixes. Add chopped hazelnuts to your oatmeal or on a salad. You can add crushed hazelnuts to tomato based pasta sauces, or add them to muffin recipes. Hazelnut meal is a great nut flour that you can use in gluten-free baking. Of course, hazelnut butter is very tasty too, especially when it's mixed with chocolate and you can use it on toast, cut up apples or in smoothies.

What kind should I get?
To get the most nutrient-dense hazelnuts, choose raw, unshelled hazelnuts. Roasting destroys some of the nutrients and salted nuts are not good for those trying to avoid excess salt. Most nuts are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which can go rancid when exposed to light, heat and humidity. Keep your hazelnuts in their shell and refrigerate or freeze them so they will stay fresher, longer.

Alternatives
People who are allergic to peanuts, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and birch pollen, may also be allergic to hazelnuts.

If you are allergic to hazelnuts, seeds make a good alternative. Try pumpkin, sesame, chia, and sunflower seeds. Raw seeds can also provide essential Omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants to benefit your health. For other healthy snacks consider dried legumes like chickpeas or soy beans, which are high in fibre and protein.

HAZELNUTS QUICK FACTS

Parts Used
Seed

APPLICATIONS
Superfood, weight loss, cardiovascular disease, source of folate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, B vitamins and vitamin E.

DOSAGE
1-3.5oz daily

WORKS WELL WITH
Other nuts and seeds, other superfoods, antioxidants

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Some people are allergic to Hazelnuts, avoid in these cases.
Hazelnuts are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as a food.