Corylus avellana

Hazelnoot, Hazelaar / Hazel, Hazelnut

Betulaceae (berkenfamilie)

Africa (north), Asia (west), Europe (whole)

Edible plant part (3)

Flowers, leaves, nuts
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Hazel, Hazelnut belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is an early, mid and late species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 3 to 6 meter and a width of 3 to 6 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense. The Hazel, Hazelnut is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a heart-shaped medium deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Hazel, Hazelnut is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Peter, https://www.flickr.com/photos/pe_ma/49373499027

foto: Lidine Mia, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corylus_avellana_%28noisetier_commun%29.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early february
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: wind
Plant reproductive fertility: self sterile

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

average

Main serious pests and diseases

squirrel, hazelnut weevil, round bud mites, branch breakage

Harvest and Consumption

Flowers

Leaves

Nuts

Suitable harvesting methods: Mechanical
Form of consumption: Processed
Natural storability: Year
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 10

Harvesting period - start: Mid october
Harvesting period - length: Month
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, colour
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 3
Productivity - peak (kg) - maximum: 5

Harvest location edible part: Ground layer
Harvesting period - start: Early september
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, dropping
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, mechanical, simple tool
Size edible parts: Medium
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several months
Suitable markets: Bulk
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 4
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 50
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 70
Productivity - peak (kg) - maximum: 4

Culinary appreciation

One of the few nuts that has been present in the Netherlands since shortly after the last Ice Age and has been one of the most consumed nuts since then. Versatile in use, whether as pieces in salads or cakes, or processed into oil, paste, or milk.

References