Have you ever noticed just how much of the food you enjoy eating in the holidays has hazelnuts in it? They always add to whatever they are added to. Their earthy-tasting crunch is one thing, but the hazelnut does so much more for the body than just provide a unique taste.
Hazelnuts are celebrated for these reasons
Hazelnuts are praised for their many health benefits, while some experts warn of the risks they can bring. These nuts have a storied lore to them. They go hand in hand with holiday treats, making this nut a special food to discuss, whether good or bad.
Almonds and walnuts receive a lot of praise for their dense and oily flavor. Hazelnuts might be overlooked, but they are packed with nutrients that are good for the body. Things like vitamin E and copper, which are good for wear and tear on the body, as well as energy levels. Even the fat from these is good for your heart, similar to the fat you get in olive oil.
The hazelnut craze has both good and bad things about it
Roasting hazelnuts can heighten the flavor, but some experts believe that the heat brings out even more oils that are great for your body. Hazelnuts have been praised for decades in places like Europe and the Middle East. These nuts have been around for longer than chocolate has.
There is a slight catch when it comes to hazelnuts. This adored nut happens to be high on the allergy list of a lot of people. The reactions to this allergy vary, with some being mild and others more jarring than that. Holiday foods conceal hazelnuts, so it’s hard to tell what might be in that pudding or praline. They probably have hazelnuts in them. Hazelnuts are also not known to be low in calories. A lot of them at once add up.
Why are hazelnuts used in pralines and other holiday treats?
Hazelnuts are so highly thought of, as they provide a warm sweetness that blends amazingly well with chocolate. The chocolate industry makes great use of hazelnuts for this reason, their flavor complements without overpowering. Some dishes just wouldn’t be complete without the addition of hazelnuts.
Hazelnut farmers feel the pressure when being a complementary provider to an industry as large as that of chocolate. Harvests along the Black Sea in Turkey is essential, as this is where most hazelnuts come from. The success of the chocolate industry is closely linked to how good a harvest is. A bad one could send prices for hazelnuts skyrocketing. You hardly consider these things as you bite into a praline.
Why hazelnuts should matter to you this winter
Hazelnuts don’t grab our attention, but they are filled with solid nutrition. They bring a unique flavor, and the traditional partnership of farmers and chocolatiers is interesting. The allergy risk is still something to consider, along with the high calorie count.
Hazelnuts are steady, reliable, and maybe just a little risky. They don’t scream for attention, but they deserve to. They are the real backbone of the season, and hazelnuts add so much to an array of holiday treats. Nostalgia is almost encapsulated in the hazelnut, but the health benefits are just as tantalizing.
Every praline you unwrap carries that whole story. Hazelnuts might be a risk to some of us, but they do provide culinary delights to others. They’re not just background crunch in your chocolate but a powerhouse of nutrition, which is always good to have in the winter when the cold makes the body become more susceptible to illness.
Disclaimer: Our articles on food and nutrition are purely informative and do not constitute medical or dietary advice. We respect the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and follow a responsible editorial policy. Consult a healthcare professional or dietitian and remember that no superfood is a substitute for a varied and well-balanced diet.