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Did you know? The story of Hazel's intertwined history and culture!
Hazelnut, scientific name Corylus avellana, is a blooming plant belonging to the Betulaceae family. This shrub usually grows from 3 to 8 meters tall, but in some cases can even reach 15 meters. Hazelnuts are mainly distributed in Europe and West Asia and are widely cultivated mainly for their delicious nuts. This kind of hazelnut is also called round hazelnut. Compared with the longer Filbert nut, its fruit is round and can be eaten directly. Whether it is eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a paste, its rich nutritional value is Making it a treasure among ingredients.
“Hazelnut wood was once used as an important component of field borders in the lowlands of England,” experts note.
Characteristics of hazelnuts
Hazelnut shrubs usually reach a height of 3 to 8 meters, and the leaves bloom in the spring before budding. Hazelnut is a bisexual flower, pollinated by the wind. The male flowers are in clusters, light yellow in color, about 5 to 12 cm long, and the female flowers are tiny and mainly hidden in the buds, with only the red style exposed. Every year, about 7 to 8 months after pollination, hazelnuts mature and fall.
"Hazelnut fruits are a food source for many animals, including insects that strengthen their shells to resist predators." Ecologists analyzed.
The history and origin of hazelnuts
The scientific name of hazelnut "avellana" comes from the town of Avella in Italy. The earliest records of this species in history can be traced back to documents from the ancient Roman period. By this time, hazelnuts were widely cultivated and recognized.
Geographic distribution
Corylus avellana is widely distributed from Ireland and the United Kingdom to the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and extends north to central Scandinavia, the Central Ural Mountains, the Carpathians, and the northwest Iran and other places.
Ecological significance
Hazelnut leaves are a food source for many animals. The larvae of certain insects such as winged moths will feed on hazelnut branches. Hazelnuts not only attract insects, but also attract some vertebrates, such as squirrels and some birds. Hazelnuts are an important food source. These animals create a diverse ecosystem in the hazelnut forest.
Cultivation and varieties
As of 2011, more than 400 hazelnut varieties have been recorded, such as Barcelona, Butler and England. Some of these varieties are bred for specific qualities of hazelnuts, while others serve as pollinators. Most commercial hazelnuts are propagated through root shoots, which also determines the development and diversity of the hazelnut industry.
Uses of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are quite rich in nutrition and contain nutrients such as protein, unsaturated fat, manganese, copper and vitamin E. Not only are they often used raw, in baking, but they are also made into hazelnut spreads. Hazelnuts are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a "heart-healthy" food, and regular consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to one study.
"Türkiye is the main producer of hazelnuts, accounting for about 75% of the world's production." The expert added.
Cultural significance
In some cultures, hazelnuts are seen as a symbol of wisdom and protection. In folklore, the hazelnut tree is often associated with good luck and prosperity. People often combine hazelnuts with spring water or fresh natural environment, emphasizing its close connection with human daily life.
The history, culture and connection of the hazelnut fruit with the environment have kept this plant valued throughout the ages. Hazelnut is not only a delicious food, but also represents human beings’ understanding and respect for nature. Does this make us rethink and cherish our natural resources?
