Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are grown in many countries in the world today, and by all reports, is one of the world's most plentiful nuts. The name hazelnut can be interchanged with the name filbert depending on geographical location.
While Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts in the world, the bulk of the hazelnuts consumed in the United States are domestically grown. Hazelnuts grow wild in many parts of the United States, but are grown commercially in Oregon and Washington. The hazelnut is used as an enhancement ingredient in many high quality confectionery and bakery products, as well as ice creams and salted snack mixes.
Hazelnuts are sorted into 6 sizes. The number of kernels per ounce determines hazelnut sizes. Hazelnuts are sorted into 2 grades. The two grades of hazelnuts are Oregon No. 1 and Oregon Whole and Broken.

Sizing

Giant The largest sized hazelnut. This size yields 15 or less per ounce.
Jumbo Yields between 16-19 kernels per ounce.
X-Large Yields between 20-24 kernels per ounce.
Large Yields between 25-29 kernels per ounce.
Medium Yields between 30-40 kernels per ounce.

Grading

Oregon No. 1

Consists of whole kernels meeting the following requirements:

a. Well dried and clean
b. Free from foreign material, mold, rancidity, decay and insect injury
c. Free from damage caused by chafing or scraping, shriveling, internal flesh discoloration
d. Free from serious damage caused by serious shriveling and broken kernels.

Oregon No. 1 Whole and Broken

Consists of whole kernels meeting the following requirements:

a. Well dried and clean
b. Free from foreign material, mold, rancidity, decay and insect injury
c. Free from serious damage caused by shriveling