Hazelnut Oil

Hazelnut oil, otherwise known as Corylus Avellana Oil, is a versatile cooking oil derived from pressing roasted hazelnuts. This nut-based oil is a popular cooking staple in Europe and around the world, especially in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It is gaining in popularity due to its unique flavor, high nutritional content and decent smoke point (approx. 216 °C/ 420 °F).

The popularity of hazelnut oil can be attributed to the fact it’s one of the few edible oils to contain high levels of Vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-health benefits. It is also rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, that support healthy cell membranes, making it a popular beauty product.

Hazelnuts grow in temperate climates and require specialized processing to be made into oil safely and legally. It is an involved process, but the result makes it one of the most sought after cooking oils available.

Harvesting and Hulling Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are ready to be harvested when the shells start to turn brown and fall from the tree. The harvesting process begins with shaking the trees so that the nuts fall to the ground, where they are collected by hand. Once collected, the nuts are usually spread out on racks to dry.

The next step is to remove the hulls, which is done by picking away the outer protective covering. This must be done slowly and carefully by hand so that the nuts are not damaged.

The yield of hazelnuts from an individual tree is relatively low as all parts of the nut must be collected, leaving some parts to go to waste. In order to get enough from the tree, harvesters tend to collect the whole hazelnut fruit and remove the moldy ones later in the process. The process of hulling is labor intensive, but the high quality of the finished product makes it worth the effort for many dedicated processors.

Sorting and Roasting Hazelnuts

Once the hazelnuts have been hulled, they must be sorted and roasting. During the sorting process, all imperfect or moldy nuts must be removed. Hazlenut farmers and processors typically use a combination of hand sorting, machines and x-ray scanners to remove the damaged nuts, which is followed by roasting to further remove any remaining pieces.

Roasting hazelnuts improves the flavor and increases the amount of oil extracted during pressing. The roasting process usually occurs inside an oven or large drying chamber, and temperatures typically range from 120 - 140°C depending on the desired level of roast.

The roasting process must be monitored closely to ensure that the product does not become burnt. If the hazelnuts are overdone, the oil becomes harsh in flavor and it is not suitable for culinary applications. If the hazelnuts are underdone, the oil will have a grassy or bitter flavor and it will not contain the desired levels of antioxidants, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Pressing and Filtering Hazelnut Oil

Once the hazelnuts have been properly roasted, they are ready to be pressed. Hazelnut pressers typically use stone or hammer mills in order to extract the maximum amount of oil. The resulting oil and hazelnut meal is then separated through a filtration process.

The filtered oil is usually stored in wooden barrels and may be left to settle before being bottled. Finally, the oil is packaged, labeled and shipped to food service distributors and retailers.

Quality Control and Regulation of Hazelnut Oil

The production of quality hazelnut oil is highly regulated by both domestic and international guidelines. Before the oil leaves the manufacturing plant, it must pass strict standards for quality and purity.

These standards vary from country to country, but generally include tests for contaminants such as aflatoxins, fatty acid composition, sensory quality, color, taste and aroma.

How Hazelnut Oil Gets to Your Plate

Once the hazelnut oil is bottled and ready for sale, it will be shipped to food service distributors or retail outlets. From there, it can make its way to your dinner plate in a variety of ways.

For those who enjoy cooking with hazelnut oil, the oil can be found on many grocery store shelves. It can also be purchased online from specialty shops or directly from the producer. Eating out? You may find a dish prepared with hazelnut oil on the menu of many fine dining restaurants.

The bold and nutty flavor of hazelnut oil makes it a great addition to sauces, dressings and marinades. It’s also excellent for roasting vegetables and sautéing meats. Take advantage of its high smoke point and use it for searing and roasting as well.

Hazelnut oil is versatile and can also be used to dip bread; drizzle over salads, pasta dishes and desserts; or simply to add a nutty complexity to any dish. Add a few drops to a mug of hot chocolate for an extra dose of delight.

The Bottom Line

From harvest to dinner plate, hazelnut oil is a delicious and nutritious cooking oil with a lot of potential in the field of culinary arts. Its distinctive flavor and health benefits make it a great choice for cooks and wellness enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re using it to sauté, roast or simply to dip bread, hazelnut oil is versatile and can go a long way in adding flavor and nutrition to your meals.