The Divine History of the Hazelnut

image credit: vegan-baking

The Hazelnuts were cultivated and enjoyed throughout history. The Chinese established orchards of the nuts dating back to 3000 B.C. In Syria along the areas which border the Black Sea have these nuts growing naturally within the dense forest regions. The Romans gathered hazelnuts from the same territory for eating and baking. They believed that the nut came from Syria, but history shows they migrated there from China through trade ships. Even in early times the benefits of hazelnuts were understood by many people.


What's in a Name?

The Anglo-Saxon name Filbert derives from St. Philbert's Day where England celebrates this French saint. The day falls on August 22 of each year and is the opening time of harvesting for these nuts. The word “haesel” meaning hood or bonnet gave way to its modern name. As the nut appears to have a hard shell hood around, hence the word Hazelnut.

Hello America!

The first large hazelnut orchard in America was in 1737 in Flushing, New York. It is noted in history as people like George Washington visited there in 1789 right after his election as the first president of the United States. During the Revolutionary war, Washington sent troops to guard this coveted nursery to protect the multiple kinds of hazelnut trees there. This was done because of the need for the harvests to survive the long winters. Later the explorations of Lewis and Clark show they chose to bring hazelnuts bushes back to Cornell University where they were studied.

image credit: karmadude

History dictates that people from around the world understood the advantages of consuming these powerful nuts. From the Chinese of 1000's of years ago to today where America has set its place in knowing and understanding this superior food. Before the 1940s, most hazelnuts were imported, but today America grows a small percentage in the states of Oregon and Washington. It is now no secret the exceptional benefits of hazelnuts are open knowledge. Do not let this little nut fool people by the looks alone. Take a taste and find out why so many are talking about this power packed snack.

The filbert nut has so much to bring to the table everyone will seek them out for simply adding to an ingredient to just eating them on the go. Consuming 1 oz. of nuts 3 times a week adds so many advantages to those on a healthy diet. With the Mono and Polyunsaturated unsaturated fats these nuts make a perfect balance for the body. Not only do they help to fend off certain types of cancer but also help in reducing the effects of cataracts, lowers blood pressure and promotes red blood cell activity.

The nuts contain potassium, magnesium and vitamins E, K along with B too.  Simply said the vitamins and mineral content of just a small hand full of nuts can help anyone to a healthy lifestyle. The nuts also promote good eating habits for a lifetime.


About The Author:


Raymond Lester has worked as a postman for thirty years and after an accident at work is now home based. Raymond now writes e books on a variety of topics including - how Hazelnuts changed his life, and how healthy eating indubitably can help to improve life.