Hazelnut: Intolerance & Allergy

Hazelnuts are the fruits of the hazel bush. Hazelnuts are mostly native to Asia Minor and Europe. They contain many important nutrients and are commonly known as a nerve food. Although hazelnuts are generally beneficial to health, they can cause allergies or intolerances.

Here’s what you should know about hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are the fruits of the hazel bush. Hazelnuts are mostly native to Asia Minor and Europe. They contain many important nutrients and are commonly known as nerve food. The hazelnut bush, also called common hazel, belongs to the birch family. Hazelnuts grow as fruits on the hazel bush and, unlike walnuts or almonds, are considered “real nuts“. They are mainly imported from Turkey. However, the bushes are also cultivated in other European countries as well as in Asia or the USA. In Germany, many hazelnut bushes can also be found in domestic gardens. However, since the hazel does not bear enough fruit in this country, it is not used for trade. There are two different varieties of hazelnuts: the Zellernüsse and the Lambertsnüsse. While the Zellernüsse often grow in Germany, the Lambertsnüsse usually come from the more southern countries. Due to the optimal climatic conditions, this variety is sweeter and tastier. Overall, the taste of the hazelnut can be described as savory and spicy. The bush of the hazelnut resembles the shape of a tree. It has a trunk and can grow up to six meters high. The hazelnut blossoms as early as February to March, mainly at the edge of dense forests or in clearings. Although the harvesting season is only in September and October, the nuts are commercially available all year round due to optimized production and storage conditions. But especially in autumn and winter, hazelnuts are in season in this country and can be found in almost every supermarket.

Importance for health

Some time ago, hazelnuts were still considered dangerous to health because of their fats and the resulting calories. However, although they definitely contain a lot of fats and oils, scientists have now found that they are actually extremely healthy and significant for general nutrition. The fats that the hazelnut contains consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. They represent the good fats, which can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and strengthen the heart. However, it is important to enjoy nuts in moderation. Up to 25 g may be consumed per day. The magnesium contained in hazelnuts can relax the nervous system and regulate blood pressure. Inflammations can be additionally prevented by magnesium. The folic acid contained in hazelnuts helps to reduce the formation of deposits in the arteries, thus protecting the heart and blood vessels. When combined with carbohydrates, nuts can reduce common blood sugar spikes and lower the associated risk of diabetes. Nuts are also known as a nerve food and trail mix. Chewing nuts stimulates brain activity. The high content of lecithins and choline strengthens memory and regulates nerve function. Certain amino acids contained in hazelnuts, the human body converts into the neurotransmitter serotonin, which lightens the mood and helps against depression.

Ingredients and nutritional values

100 grams of hazelnuts contain about 650 kcal. However, in addition to the relatively high fat content of about 62 g per 100 g, hazelnuts also consist of about 12% protein. Especially for vegetarians and vegans, they are therefore an important and indispensable source of protein. In addition, the nut contains many important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. Vitamins of the B group, vitamin C, folic acid and beta-carotene are also found in considerable quantities. Hazelnuts also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which is very important for proper digestion. The vitamin E contained in hazelnuts additionally defends cells against free radicals.

Intolerances and allergies

However, hazelnuts, like other nuts, can be very dangerous for allergy sufferers. Especially people who react positively to birch pollen, in many cases also do not tolerate hazelnuts. This is because the hazel bush is a birch plant and contains the same allergenic substances as the birch.This close relationship is also called cross-allergy and occurs very frequently. An intolerance often manifests itself in the form of stomach complaints, diarrhea or nausea. But also swelling around the mouth or eyes, an itchy throat or mouth can occur after eating hazelnuts. In the worst case, anaphylaxis can occur, which may become life-threatening.

Shopping and kitchen tips

Hazelnuts are mostly offered peeled and unshelled in the supermarket. As a baking ingredient, they are also available ground or chopped. In any case, however, the nuts should be undamaged and contain no evidence of mold. This is because if the hazelnuts are infested with mold, harmful toxins are formed, so they must not be consumed under any circumstances. Nuts packed in a net and loose nuts are less susceptible to mold. Hazelnuts wrapped in plastic film, on the other hand, should be avoided, as they are more prone to liquid formation, which can lead to mold growth. Hazelnuts in shell can be subjected to a simple test to determine whether the nut is still fresh. If it rattles when shaken in the shell, it is often a case of nuts that have already dried out. In addition, the larger it is, the more aromatic the nut. When the nuts are shelled, they have a white skin. Slightly yellowish discolored specimens indicate that it is already a somewhat older nut. These usually taste rancid or have hardly any flavor left. Generally, this foodstuff keeps for several months. However, both shelled and unshelled hazelnuts should be stored in a cool and airtight place. For this purpose, the refrigerator, the cellar or little heated rooms are best suited. If the nuts are under a plastic film, this should be removed in any case. Whole nuts should be chopped or crushed beforehand as an ingredient for a cake or other pastry. However, as a snack for in between, the whole nuts are very good.

Preparation tips

Hazelnuts can enhance both sweet dishes and savory dishes. Chopped or ground nuts are most often used as a baking ingredient. Whole hazelnuts can be eaten raw or roasted or candied. If the hazelnuts are roasted in the oven for about 10 minutes, they are tastier, have a stronger aroma and the skin is easier to remove. To do this, after roasting, rub the nuts together in a cloth until the skin comes off. Also schnapps or liqueur can be made from this superfood. To avoid a bitter taste, the shell as well as the skin must be completely removed. In order not to lose the intense aroma, the nuts should be processed immediately after processing.