About
A hazelnut is the nut of the hazel and is also known as cobnut or filbert nut according to species. A cob is roughly spherical to oval, about 15–25 mm long and 10–15 mm in diameter, with an outer fibrous husk surrounding a smooth shell. A filbert is more elongated, being about twice as long as it is round. The nut falls out of the husk when ripe, about seven to eight months after pollination. The kernel of the seed is edible and used raw or roasted, or ground into a paste. Hazelnuts are also used for livestock feed, as are chestnuts and acorns. The seed has a thin, dark brown skin, which is sometimes removed before cooking. Hazelnuts are produced in commercial quantities in Turkey, Italy, Greece, Georgia, in south of the Spanish region of Catalonia, in the UK county of Kent and in the American states of Oregon and Washington. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world with approximately 75% of worldwide production. Hazelnuts are used in confectionery to make praline, and also used in combination with chocolate for chocolate truffles and products such as Nutella and Frangelico liqueur. Hazelnut oil, pressed from hazelnuts, is strongly flavoured and used as a cooking oil. Hazelnuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fat. Moreover, they contain significant amounts of thiamine and vitamin B6, as well as smaller amounts of other B vitamins.
Aroma profile
Derived from this ingredient’s flavor compounds
Taste profile
Derived from this ingredient's compounds · measured taste classes
Composition
60 compounds identified — cross-referenced scientific databases
Best pairings
Ranked across every axis at once: shared flavor chemistry, real-recipe co-use, novel-discovery, and nutrient synergy. Pairs agreeing on two or more axes lead.
Molecular affinity
Pairs well with — ingredients that share aroma compounds
Based on shared flavor compounds · click to explore
Research Evidence
The Geist can be wrong. Some flavor, taste, and pairing values are model-predicted, not lab-measured.