How To Forage Wild Hazelnuts (Corylus sp.) | Futurespore

Embrace the solarpunk lifestyle by reconnecting with nature and foraging for nutritious, sustainable wild hazelnuts.

Harvested hazelnuts ready to be processed and enjoyed. By 221A from Getty Images Signature

In the world of foraging, few things are as delightful as stumbling upon wild hazelnuts. These small, delectable nuts are not only a joy to find but also a testament to nature’s generosity. At Futurespore, we believe in reconnecting people with the natural world, promoting sustainable practices, and deepening our appreciation for the plants that surround us. Hazelnuts are a fantastic choice for foraging due to their rich nutritional profile and versatile culinary uses. Packed with healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, they offer a nutritious snack that’s worth the hunt. Let’s dive into where to find hazelnuts, their unique botanical features, and their delicious edibility.

Where to Find Wild Hazelnuts

Wild hazelnuts, which belong to the genus Corylus, are commonly found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, you’re most likely to come across the American hazelnut (Corylus americana) and the beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). These hardy shrubs are adaptable and thrive in various habitats, from dense woodlands to the edges of forests.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Soil: They prefer well-drained, loamy soils but are quite tolerant of different soil types.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade is ideal for these plants.
• Moisture: While they can handle dry conditions, they thrive in areas with moderate moisture levels.

Geographical Range and Environments:

• American Hazelnut: You’ll find these from Maine to Florida and westward to the Dakotas and Oklahoma. They often grow in deciduous forests, forest edges, and along streams and riverbanks. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, making them adaptable to a wide range of climates.
• Beaked Hazelnut: These are more common in the northern United States and Canada, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They prefer cooler climates and are often found in mixed woodlands, thickets, and forest clearings. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7, thriving in cooler and more temperate regions.

Hazelnuts are opportunistic growers and can often be found in transitional areas where forests meet open land. They thrive in places where they receive enough sunlight but are also protected by the surrounding vegetation.

A squirrel foraging among hazelnut leaves in a lush forest. By Ivonne Wierink

Recognizing Hazelnut Shrubs

Identifying wild hazelnuts in their natural setting is crucial for a successful foraging trip. Here’s what to look for:

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana):

• Leaves: Look for heart-shaped, serrated leaves with a rough texture.
• Bark: Young shrubs have smooth, gray-brown bark that becomes scaly as they age.
• Catkins: These are the male flowers that appear as long, yellowish catkins in early spring, even before the leaves emerge.
• Nuts: The nuts are encased in a leafy husk that covers about half of the nut. They mature from late summer to early fall.

Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta):

• Leaves: Similar to the American hazelnut but a bit more elongated.
• Bark: Smooth and gray in younger plants, becoming more fissured with age.
• Catkins: Similar to the American hazelnut’s male catkins.
• Nuts: These are encased in a husk with a distinctive, beak-like extension, giving the species its name.

Both species are multi-stemmed shrubs that can grow between 6 and 15 feet tall, often forming dense thickets.

How to Tell If Hazelnuts Are Ripe

Determining the ripeness of hazelnuts is essential for a successful harvest. Here are some tips to help you identify when hazelnuts are ready to be picked:

1. Color Change: Ripe hazelnuts turn from a pale green to a brownish color. The husks will also begin to dry out and lose their bright green hue.
2. Ease of Detachment: When hazelnuts are ripe, they will start to fall from the shrub on their own. A gentle shake of the branch should easily dislodge ripe nuts.
3. Husk Opening: The husk that encases the nut will begin to open up, revealing the nut inside. This is a good indication that the nut is ready to harvest.
4. Firmness: Ripe hazelnuts should feel firm to the touch. If they feel soft or squishy, they are not yet ready.

By keeping an eye on these indicators, you can ensure that you harvest hazelnuts at their peak ripeness for the best flavor and nutritional value.

Unripe wild hazelnuts hanging from the branches, ready to mature. By 21csm from Getty Images

The Health Benefits of Hazelnuts

Adding hazelnuts to your diet is not just a tasty treat — it’s also great for your health. Here’s why:

• Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats, hazelnuts can help lower bad cholesterol and improve heart health.
• Antioxidants: They are packed with antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins, which support overall health.
• Protein: They are a plant-based source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Fiber: The dietary fiber in hazelnuts aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

Incorporating hazelnuts into your meals can boost your health while adding a delightful crunch.

Medicinal Benefits

Hazelnuts are not only nutritious for humans but also have a history of medicinal uses:

Medicinal Benefits:

• Traditional Uses: In ancient Greek and Roman medicine, hazelnuts were used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs and colds. They believed that hazelnut oil could also help with conditions like baldness and dry skin.
• Modern Uses: Today, hazelnut oil is appreciated for its skin-nourishing properties. It’s rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, like omega-6 and omega-9, making it excellent for moisturizing and protecting the skin. Hazelnuts are also studied for their potential benefits in managing diabetes and improving brain health due to their high content of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Enjoying Hazelnuts: From Harvest to Table

Hazelnuts are also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your diet. Here’s how you can harvest and enjoy these wild treats:

Harvesting:

• Timing: Hazelnuts are ready for harvest when the nuts start to turn brown and fall from the husks, usually between late August and October.
• Method: You can gently shake the branches to release the nuts or pick them up from the ground. Remember to leave some for the wildlife — they’re a vital food source for many animals.

Processing:

• Drying: Spread the harvested nuts in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks to reduce moisture and prevent mold.
• Shelling: Once dried, crack the nuts open with a nutcracker or hammer. Be prepared for some effort — the shells can be quite tough.
• Storing: Store shelled nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

Culinary Uses:

• Raw: Enjoy them raw for a crunchy, sweet flavor.
• Roasted: Roasting brings out their rich, nutty flavor. Spread shelled nuts on a baking sheet and roast at 275°F (135°C) for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Ground: Ground hazelnuts are great for baking, smoothies, or making nut butter.
• Oil: Hazelnut oil is a delicacy, perfect for salad dressings and cooking.

From simple snacks to gourmet dishes, hazelnuts add a wonderful flavor and crunch that’s sure to delight everyone.

Hazelnuts in Culture and Tradition

Hazelnuts have been cherished for centuries, not just for their taste but also for their symbolic meanings. In various cultures, they are considered symbols of wisdom, knowledge, and protection.

In Celtic mythology, hazelnuts were revered as symbols of wisdom and inspiration. The Celts believed that eating hazelnuts could grant one knowledge and poetic skill. The story of the Salmon of Knowledge is one of the most famous legends involving hazelnuts. According to the tale, nine hazel trees surrounded a sacred well, and their nuts would fall into the water, imparting wisdom to the salmon that consumed them. The first person to eat one of these salmon would gain all the world’s knowledge.

In medieval Europe, hazelnuts were thought to have protective qualities. People would carry hazelnuts as charms against lightning, witchcraft, and evil spirits. Farmers even believed that hazelnut branches could increase crop yields and protect livestock.

Foraging for hazelnuts is like stepping into a history of cultural heritage, connecting us with ancient traditions and stories. It’s fascinating to think that the humble hazelnut has played such a significant role in history and folklore.

Freshly foraged wild hazelnuts still in their green husks. By AlexandraFlorian

Sustainable and Ethical Foraging

At Futurespore, we can’t stress enough the importance of foraging sustainably and ethically. Here are some tips to ensure your hazelnut foraging adventures are responsible and kind to the environment:

1. Know the Rules: Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits if required.
2. Harvest Responsibly: Only take what you need and leave enough for wildlife and plant regeneration.
3. Respect the Habitat: Avoid damaging plants and surrounding vegetation. Move carefully and leave no trace.
4. Support Biodiversity: Consider planting hazelnut shrubs in suitable habitats to support local biodiversity and future harvests.

Foraging is a beautiful way to connect with nature, but it’s crucial to do so with care and respect.

Conclusion

Foraging wild hazelnuts is a delightful way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a nutritious, delicious snack. By understanding where to find them, how to identify them, and the best ways to harvest and enjoy them, you can make the most of what nature offers. At Futurespore, we encourage you to explore the world of wild hazelnuts, respect the environment, and savor the experience. Happy foraging!