​Hazel

Hazel

The hazels (Corylus) are a genus of deciduos trees and large shrubs native to the temperate northern hemisphere. Hazel trees can grow to a height of 8-10 metres, the nuts of all hazels are edible. Hazelnutsare sweet in taste and incredibly nutritious. Botanically, the nuts are fruits from the “birch” or Betulaceaefamily of trees

​The Celts believed hazelnuts gave one wisdom and inspiration. There are numerous variations on an ancient tale that nine hazel trees grew around a sacred pool, dropping into the water nuts that were eaten by salmon (a fish sacred to Druids) which absorbed the wisdom.

Hazel nuts are rich indietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals.

​Hazel nuts are also an excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 15 g per 100 g (providing100% of RDA).

​The hazel fruit is a nut produced in clusters; with each nut held in a short leafy involucre or capsule enclosing about three quarters of the nut. Each yellow-brown color nut, roughly spherical to oval in shape, is about 1.5-2 cm long and 1.2 -2 cm broad, featuring a light scar at the base.

​They fall out of the leafy involucre or capsule when ripe, about 7-8 months after pollination.