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Hazelnuts are a great food for health, and are also known as filberts.  Like other nuts, they are full of protein.  They have a lot of fiber.  To add to their good-for-you status, hazelnuts are full of nutrients like folate (a B vitamin), vitamin E and various antioxidants.  These things are all good for your health.

Include Hazelnuts In Your Diet

It’s not hard to add hazelnuts to your diet.  One easy was is to use them as a snack, and eat them whole or cracked.  Most people really enjoy their rich flavor.

Whole, sliced or diced hazelnuts can also be used in such things as:

• bakery
• confectionary
• garnishes
• artesian breads
• entrees
• salads
• soups
• to encrust foods
• cereals
• bars
• dairy products
• decorating cakes
• cookies
• pastries
• candies
• mixed in yogurt.

They impart a wonderful flavor to foods, and can be used any way you would use most nuts.

There Are Even More Ways To Use Hazelnuts

To make a butter similar to natural peanut butter, hazelnuts can be ground.  In fact, hazelnuts are also one of the main ingredients in Nutella spread.  Hazelnut butter is unsweetened, but hazelnut paste has sugar added and is used in bakery icings and fillings, candies and dairy products.

Finely ground hazelnuts make a free flowing meal that can be used as a flour replacer, flavoring and binding agent.  It works well in baked goods, adding a special flavor.  Add to that, hazelnut meal can replace the carbs and help make baked goods for a low carb diet.

Selection And Storage Tips For Hazelnuts

When buying nuts still in the shell, pick those that are heavy and full.  The longest shelf life is for the whole nuts.  The more processed the nuts are, the shorter the shelf life they will have.

To keep nuts fresh longer, it’s best roast, chop, slice, or grind them just before use.  However, to have processed hazelnuts handy for addition to a huge variety of dishes, then simply roast the kernels, dice and freeze in an airtight container away from foods with strong odors. They will keep for over a year in the freezer and you can remove the amount you need, bring them to room temperature and use immediately.

Go Crazy For Hazelnuts!

Boost your diet with some healthy hazelnuts.  You get a food that not only tastes good, but is also good for you!  It’s a situation that is win-win, and that makes everyone happy!