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Did you know that the oldest evidence of hazelnut harvesting comes from Scotland over 8,000 years ago!
Hazelnuts are the fruit of the hazel tree, mainly from different species of the genus Corylus, especially Corylus avellana. The fruit is called round hazelnut or Filbert, depending on the species. Hazelnuts can be eaten as a snack, are also commonly used in baking and desserts, and added to breakfast foods like cereal.
These fruits are also widely used in confectionery, such as making frosting, or paired with chocolate to make products such as chocolate truffles and Nutella. Additionally, hazelnut oil is a strong flavored oil that is rich in monounsaturated fats and can be used as a cooking oil or salad oil. According to 2021 data, Türkiye is the world's largest hazelnut producer, accounting for 64% of total production.
"In 1995, archaeological evidence discovered on the Scottish island of Colonsay showed that there had been large-scale hazelnut processing activities as early as 8,000 years ago."
The shape of hazelnuts is generally close to spherical or oval, with a length between 15 and 25 mm. Ripe hazelnuts drop from their outer fibrous shell and can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a paste. In fact, these hazelnuts are dropped en masse in the cool autumn months, a period that gave birth to diverse human food cultures.
Historical review
The evidence found on Colonsay Island mentioned above is not only a regional archaeological discovery, but also an insight into human social structure and lifestyle.
As early as 6000 B.C., human communities in this land showed an appreciation for plants. They collected and processed the abundant supply of hazelnuts on a large scale, which was very rare in society at that time. Pollen analysis also shows that they may have concentrated on harvesting these hazelnuts in a certain year, which proves the planning and organizational capabilities of the social structure at that time.
“The collective collection of hazelnuts demonstrates the spirit of cooperation and the concept of collective action in human society.”
Planting and harvesting
The traditional cultivation method of hazelnuts is called "brutting", which is a technique that promotes the production of flower buds and increases yield by pruning the new buds of the hazel tree. Hazel trees are usually harvested in the fall of each year, when the trees drop their ripe fruit. Most commercial producers wait for the hazelnuts to fall naturally rather than using equipment to forcefully beat the trees. Hazelnut harvesting is usually done manually or using machinery, with four main types of equipment utilized for sorting and delivery.
Nutritional value of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Based on 100 grams of raw hazelnuts, it contains approximately 628 calories of energy and a high level of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin E and other nutrients. These properties make hazelnuts an important choice in a healthy diet, with potential benefits for blood sugar stabilization and cardiovascular health.
Cultural significance
Hazelnuts not only occupy a place in food culture, but are also mentioned in many literary works. For example, Julian Norwich uses the hazelnut as a metaphor in his mystical book Revelation of Divine Love. In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", hazelnut shells are described as the chariot of the fairy Mab.
This all goes to show that hazelnuts have a profound significance in our history and culture.
Do these ancient ways of harvesting hazelnuts reflect human dependence and intelligence on the natural world?
