2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Hazelnuts are part of the group of nuts and as such are invaluable food for humans, especially for those of us who are vegetarians and avoid animal products. Hazelnuts are the nuts of the small hazel tree Corylus avellana. This tree is also known as hazel. Today there are over a hundred varieties and varieties of hazelnuts. One part of them are the fruits of the hazel tree, which is a certain type of common hazelnut. The hazelnut reaches three to five meters in height, has a thin trunk and has a very dense crown. The leaves are round, oval or heart-shaped. The most used types of hazelnuts are: common hazelnut, Constantinople hazelnut (hazelnut), which is the largest species, Beaked American hazelnut and Beaked Asian hazelnut.
For the use of hazelnuts from people testify Chinese manuscripts from 5000 years ago. Even then the Chinese considered these nuts to be a valuable agricultural crop. Our ancestors began eating hazelnuts in the Neolithic. In ancient times, people believed that these nuts not only bring health, but also protect against lightning, spells, evil forces, snakes and mice. Other nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts were also prized. The tree was also a symbol of marriage, abundant wealth and family happiness. The hazelnut was accepted as a symbol of peace and health and a source of wealth and power.
Hazelnuts probably came from Asia Minor, and from there gradually spread to the southern Mediterranean, from Greece to Italy and France, and finally to Spain. After the Chinese, Greeks and ancient Romans consumed hazelnuts because of their incredible taste, but they used them primarily as a medicine. The Latin name of the hazelnut is "Corylus" and comes from the Greek word "korys", which means helmet. The name is associated with the resemblance to the battle helmet of the hazelnut shell.
Today hazelnuts are found mainly in the countries around the Mediterranean. They are grown in Spain, Italy and the United States, and especially Turkey, where they originate. Today, Turkey is still considered the largest producer and exporter of hazelnuts, with profits of about $ 1.1 billion from the hazelnut trade. The annual average production of hazelnuts for Turkey is 500 thousand tons, Italy - 125 thousand tons, and Spain and the United States - 25 thousand tons.
Composition of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are extremely rich in vitamin E, which is a strong antioxidant, and folic acid, which is needed for the formation of red blood cells. Hazelnuts have almost no carbohydrates and are low in fat. Therefore, according to nutritionists, they are extremely suitable for diets. Raw hazelnuts contain 5, 3% water, and about 88% of hazelnut fat is unsaturated. Hazelnuts are rich of minerals, magnesium, copper and potassium and are a good source of fiber.
They contain pantothenic acid and vitamin C. The fats obtained from hazelnuts are more durable, as they resist rancidity, have a pleasant taste and are easily absorbed by the body. They contain lipotropic substances (methionine, choline, lecithin), as well as unsaturated fatty acids. Significant amounts of iodine have been found.
In roasted hazelnuts, the nutritional values are lower. They contain 2.5% water, 649 kcal, 15 g of protein, 60, 8 g of fat, 17, 6 g of carbohydrates, 0 cholesterol, 4, 9 g of sugars, 9, 4 g of fiber.
Selection and storage of hazelnuts
The harvested hazelnuts are usually dried until the water content of the nut is reduced by 10%, after which they are stored in a dry and ventilated room. They are sold on the market with or without shells, peeled or with a fluffy cover, natural, dry-baked and baked in fat with added salt. When choosing hazelnuts in shell, be careful not to have holes in it - this is a sign of deteriorating quality of nuts. It is best to buy hazelnuts in vacuum-packed opaque packaging, jars or boxes.
Hazelnuts should be stored in a cool, dry place because of their fat content. If the nuts are exposed to light and heat, the fungus Aspergillus fungus is formed in them, which helps to release aflatoxins. These toxins cause liver cancer and suppress the immune system. Peeled and raw hazelnuts should be consumed within 7 days, provided that they are stored in the refrigerator. Then it is possible that their taste becomes bitter and the nuts are dry. Unpeeled hazelnuts can be stored for several months in a cool place.
Hazelnuts in cooking
Hazelnuts are one of the priceless foods we need to consume, if not daily, then at least several times a week. These nuts are also widely used in cooking, especially in confectionery. Delicious hazelnut creams, hazelnut cake, pastries are prepared, the hazelnuts are used crushed as a side dish between the tops of the cake or it is sprinkled on top of them. Hazelnuts are also an inseparable friend of the favorite chocolate of billions of people around the world.
From these nuts are prepared hazelnut oil, hazelnut oil, hazelnut flour, hazelnuts, hazelnut essence. They are sometimes used as an additive in salads and sauces for meat, fish and seafood. Hazelnuts are often an addition to oatmeal and muesli, protein shakes and various vegetable porridges. It is recommended to roast hazelnuts at a maximum of 200 degrees Celsius.
Benefits of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are especially useful when raw. Hazelnuts have been used as a medicine for thousands of years. In addition to the nut and bark, the leaves of the tree were also used against various diseases.
Today, hazelnuts are believed to help produce blood and improve mental health. They are an excellent helper for people who suffer from anemia and for recovering from more serious illnesses and surgeries. Hazelnuts can be a cure for tuberculosis, for disorders of the endocrine glands, for diabetes. They are recommended for kidney and gallstones and stones, inflammation of the urinary tract, because they have a diuretic and to some extent alkalizing effect.
The maximum absorption of the useful substances of hazelnuts by the body occurs if they are taken in the form of flour. Hazelnuts contain potassium, calcium and magnesium - minerals important for maintaining normal blood pressure and vitality. They are recommended both after severe infectious diseases and in bronchitis, joint pain, chronic fatigue, nervous tension and venous dilation. Lipotropic substances (methionine, choline, lecithin) and unsaturated fatty acids in hazelnuts are important for fat metabolism and in the treatment of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure.
A portion of 20-30 g is recommended for dietary nutrition hazelnuts daily. Due to the huge amount of folic acid, hazelnuts are a must-have food for pregnant women. Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, in turn helps prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. the significant amounts of iodine in hazelnuts make them a particularly useful food for those suffering from endemic goiter.
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Why Eat Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are a very high energy food, loaded with many healthy nutrients that are essential for optimal health. One hundred grams of nuts contain approximately 628 calories. These divine nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, as well as essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
How To Roast Hazelnuts
Different types of nuts require different ways of roasting and consumption. Hazelnuts are extremely tasty and useful nuts, which, however, are relatively expensive ready-baked. Therefore, you can prepare them yourself at home. In fact, hazelnuts, like most nuts, are most useful in their raw state.
Health Benefits Of Hazelnuts
No wonder tree nuts are one of the most nutrient-rich snacks you can choose to add to your diet. In a world full of excess fat and preservatives, nuts like hazelnuts are a good and nutritious solution. Hazelnuts are rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fats and many other important vitamins and minerals.
How To Clean And Bake Hazelnuts?
Roasting nuts also has a subtle moment, and in addition the different types nuts require a different way of baking. Now we will get acquainted with hazelnuts - these nuts are so delicious and have a specific taste, but they are also quite expensive ready-made.
7 Good Reasons To Eat More Hazelnuts
The hazelnut is a type of walnut that comes from the Corylus tree. It is cultivated mainly in Turkey, Italy, Spain and the United States. Hazelnuts have a sweet aroma and can be eaten raw, roasted or ground. These nuts are very tasty, as part of our favorite liquid chocolate and various flavors such as cakes, pastries and brownies.
