This article provides an overview of hazelnut, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make hazelnut substitutes.
What is Hazelnut?
Hazelnut is a fruit produced from the hazel tree and is often used in baking, desserts, and confectionery, such as chocolate truffles, chocolate spreads, and praline.
The largest producers of hazelnuts are Turkey and Italy, although they were originally found in Scotland, some 8000 years ago.
What does Hazelnut taste like?
Hazelnuts have a distinct nutty taste, with sweet and earthy notes. One significant flavor in hazelnuts is fibertone, which is a naturally occurring ketone and has a long-lasting sweet flavor. The skin of hazelnuts is perfectly edible, however, the flavor is rather bitter and often therefore removed.
Is Hazelnut readily available in Supermarkets?
Hazelnuts should be readily available in supermarkets, where they are often found with the other nuts, in the snack section.
What are some alternative names for Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are less commonly referred to as cobnuts or filberts.
What is a good substitute for Hazelnut in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for hazelnut. These include: