Storage
and Handling
Keeping hazelnuts properly stored—cold, refrigerated
or frozen—is essential to maintaining quality
and flavor. Store them at no more than 40 degrees F.
for up to one full year. Allow the hazelnuts to warm
to room temperature in an unopened container before
using.
Hazelnuts
can also be stored at 27 degrees F. or lower for up
to two years. For optimum product performance, allow
hazelnuts to warm to room temperature in an unopened
container, in a well-ventilated area away from odor-producing
substances.
Nutrition
and Health
Given their excellent nutritional profile, health professionals
now recommend the regular inclusion of hazelnuts and
other nuts in the daily diet.
Ancient
lore has it that hazelnuts held the cure for everything
from baldness to tummy aches. Modern science has shown
that, while those claims may be somewhat overstated,
hazelnuts are a good source of vital nutrients.
High
in dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin
E, and one of the best nut sources of monounsaturated
fats, hazelnuts are also an excellent source of protein.
What's more, hazelnuts, like other plant foods, are
naturally cholesterol-free.
Mounting
scientific evidence suggests that monounsaturated fats
may work to lower LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad"
cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of coronary
heart disease (CHD). New research shows that the antioxidant
vitamin E could play a role in preventing certain kinds
of cancer and CHD.
Hazelnuts
are 78% monounsaturated. Of all tree nuts, hazelnuts
are highest in folate and manganese.
For
more information on the harvesting, varieties, processing
and nutritional benefits of hazelnuts, check out The
Hazelnut Council's Web site at www.hazelnutcouncil.org.
The "members" page provides excellent links
to both the Turkish and Oregon industries. And, the
"links" page puts you in touch with resource
material on health facts via the International Tree
Nut Council. The staff of Food and Beverage International
would like to thank the Hazelnut Council for their assistance
in preparing this feature.
