As we get older, a lovingly cared for corkscrew hazel sometimes surprises us with small fruits. Due to the close botanical relationship with the common hazel, the question of edibility is obvious. These lines will tell you to what extent the nuts are edible.
Are corkscrew hazelnuts edible?
Yes, the nuts of the corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta') are edible and can be used fresh from the tree or dried and ground in various recipes, such as hazelnut cream, muesli or chocolate-hazelnut cake.
Corkscrew hazel nuts are edible
The corkscrew hazel was discovered in the wild in the middle of the 19th century, where it caught the eye as a spontaneous mutation of the common hazel with twisted branches. Since this shrub reaches a maximum height of 300 cm as a result of nature's whim, it has taken the hearts of hobby gardeners by storm as a distinctive ornamental tree for beds and containers. The harvest of the small fruits takes a back seat because they only rarely appear on a Corylus avellana 'Contorta'. The nuts are still suitable for consumption.
Tips for tasty preparation
If a corkscrew hazelnut gave you a few small nuts, it opens up a wide range of possible uses. Equipped with a powerful nutcracker, there is nothing wrong with eating it fresh from the tree. Dried and ground for 4 to 6 weeks, the hazelnuts transform into an aromatic ingredient for many delicacies. We have put together a selection for you here:
- Hazelnut cream made from 400 g ground nuts and 1 tablespoon each of cocoa powder and birch sugar (xylitol)
- Muesli made from hazelnuts, almonds, apple rings, hemp seeds, oat and spelled flakes, honey and brown sugar
- Savory hazelnut herb coating for schnitzel made from 50 g nuts, 2 bags of herbal tea, rapeseed oil and s alt
For a quick sweet hazelnut treat, conjure up a tempting chocolate hazelnut cake in 5 minutes. A cup each of sour cream, flour, cocoa, ground nuts and sugar are mixed with 3 eggs, 1 packet of baking powder and half a cup of rapeseed oil. Placed in a greased baking pan, the cake is ready within 45 minutes at 180 degrees top and bottom heat in the oven.
Tip
In September and October, the nuts of a corkscrew hazelnut are sufficiently ripe that they can be harvested. As long as the fruits are still on the bush and have a green peel, they are not suitable for consumption. Instead of picking them off, keep an eye out for brown hazelnuts that have fallen to the ground.
