Exactly one year ago (to the day!)  I wrote a post  (see below) about how planting hazelnut bushes can have a profound impact on the environment and the American landscape.  The entry didn't seem to generate much interest or attention at the time.  However, I am pleased to report that I have recently received a number of comments on this particular post one year later.  This is making me very happy, so i would like to update the readers with the latest information about hazelnut farming today. 

My original information came from the Arbor Day Foundation.  They are carrying out a large  (9 acre) hazelnut research project  which was planted about 13 years ago.  There are several ways in which to join this project, but before we get to that, I'd like to review a little about hazelnuts and why they're important.

Hazelnuts are small nearly round brown nuts that resemble acorns which have a little pointy end and a flat lighter colored end.  Normally available only around Christmas, they are great nutritious snacks and found in many delicious desserts.  Popular for many decades in Europe, they are only now coming into their own here in the US. The market for hazelnuts ranges from biodiesel oil to food.  Packed with vitamins, protein and fiber they are used in everything from savory fish entrees to decadent ice cream desserts.

Here are some of the reasons why this project is so important to our future:  
            (Taken from ArborDay Foundation Magazine, Jan/Feb 09)

• Hazelnuts are an ideal crop for fighting global warming because of their carbon-sequestering abilities and less need for mechanized care.  Currently agriculture accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.  By converting land from annual crops to hazelnuts, farmers can eliminate annual replanting and cultivating, reduce the need for fertilizing, and minimize chemicals for pest control. This can add up to additional on-farm income, including carbon sequestration payments. (Note: Since I don't know anything about this, please contact www.ArborDay.org/hazelnuts  for further information on this point)
• Hazelnuts can contribute to energy independence through "green diesel" production.  In comparison studies, the Univ. of Nebraska found that hazelnuts can product an oil yield nearly two times that of soybeans - and the hazelnut oil is superior. Plus no annual replanting!
• Hazelnuts are highly adaptable to poorer soil. They can also anchor erodible soil, helping to protect waterways while at the same time providing wildlife habitat in addition to a profitable crop.
• In flood-prone areas, hazelnuts thrive where other crops are destroyed.  They can survive cold weather to 40 degrees below zero.
• Hazelnuts are an extremely valuable nut crop because of their high level of vitamins and protein. The five year average in Oregon was $1,589/acre from 2002 to 2007.

My original love for hazelnuts stems from my European heritage.  As a German child growing up in America, I was the only person I knew who ate them or who even knew what they were.  Today I'm happy to report hazelnuts are coming into their own here in this country too.  This is thanks to in large part  the efforts of ArborDay Foundation (from whom I receive absolutely nothing for saying any of this, by the way).

To Get Involved in Arbor Day's Hazelnut Research, there are three ways:  (I'm sure there are other ways to get started planting hazelnuts too, especially if you're interested in planting more than a few plants, so this is just one idea...) 

1. Phone 1-888-448-7337 and ask to be part of the Hazelnut Project.
2. E-mail hazelnuts@arborday.org and sign up for their email list.
3. Visit www.arborday.org/hazelnuts

The more hazelnuts are planted the more land becomes profitable to the grower, healthier for the environment, a boon to wildlife, and a step toward less dependence on foreign oil. 

PS - To the person who recently wrote to say they had planted 2.5 acres in hazelnuts.  Would you be willing to share with us where you obtained your plants in case others would like to follow your lead.  Thanks.

        

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."    - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I recently received the following information from The Arbor Day Foundation  www.arborday.org which I want to share with you today.  It's about "The Hazelnut Project".  Hazelnuts are very popular in Europe, used in flavorings, cookies, cakes, and other desserts.  And although I've been eating hazelnuts (aka filberts) since childhood, I never knew they grew on bushes!  I had always pictured them growing on trees, like acorns.  Not true. 

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