History of the Filbert (Hazelnut)

History of the Filbert (Hazelnut)

Prepare to embark on a journey into the captivating world of filberts, where folklore and history intertwine with scientific wonders. These humble nuts, also known as hazelnuts, have a rich heritage that spans centuries, evolving from enchanting tales to becoming a valuable part of our culinary and health landscapes. Let us delve into the intriguing story of filberts and explore their fascinating attributes.

In the realms of European folklore, filberts acquired their modern name through a connection with Saint Philbert's Day, celebrated on August 22nd. This auspicious day marked the beginning of the nut harvest and bestowed the nuts with their saintly moniker. As far back as Roman times, these delectable treats were relished as food. The renowned historian Pliny documented how the Romans foraged hazels (filberts) for sustenance. He believed that these nuts originated in Damascus, Syria, where they thrived in lush forests. Surprisingly, archaeological excavations in China unearthed fossilized remains of filberts dating back an astonishing 5,000 years, challenging Pliny's assumptions. It appears that filberts (hazelnuts) have an even more ancient and global lineage than previously imagined.

The filbert's journey continued through the ages, finding its way to various corners of the world. Almonds, close cousins to filberts, now grow wild in many European countries and Asia Minor, favored by mild winters and cool summers in proximity to moist soils and vast bodies of water like the Black Sea surrounding Turkey or the Mediterranean Sea encompassing Sicily and Italy.

Across the vast expanse of America, filberts found a new home in the fertile soil. The first commercial nursery in the United States was established by Robert Prince in Flushing, N.Y., in 1737. Remarkably, even George Washington, the nation's inaugural President, paid a visit to this nursery in 1789, arriving by river barge. Recognizing the value of these precious trees, General Washington dispatched armed guards to protect the nursery during the Revolutionary War. "Barcelona" filbert trees imported from Spain joined the ranks of American filberts, further enriching the nursery's bounty. Later, when Lewis and Clark ventured into the uncharted lands of the Northwest under President Thomas Jefferson's watch, they returned with specimens collected along their journey. These plants were destined for propagation, research, and sale at Prince Nursery, contributing to the expansion and exploration of filbert cultivation.

A prominent figure in the world of filbert hazelnut research emerged in the form of Dr. MacDaniels, a professor of Horticulture and Pomology at Cornell University. He established an expansive nut orchard near Ithaca, New York, in the early 20th century. Within these orchard's grounds, Dr. MacDaniels dedicated himself to unraveling the mysteries of filberts, leaving behind a profound legacy of knowledge.

Beyond their culinary uses, filberts have long been associated with mystical powers by certain cults. Ancient lore suggests that these nuts can serve as divining rods, capable of uncovering hidden treasures, underground water sources, minerals, and even remedies for various ailments and illnesses.

The European filbert, scientifically known as 'Corylus avellana L.,' reigns as the world's most prevalent and commercially sought-after filbert variety. Its familiar presence graces the markets of today. When cultivated as trees in orchards, European filberts can reach heights of up to 20 feet, their lower limbs expertly pruned. After three years of planting, orchardists anticipate the trees to bear fruit, yielding an average of 20-25 pounds of nuts per year. Interestingly, cross-pollination necessitates the presence of two different trees to ensure optimal nut production.

In their early stages, filbert nuts appear vibrant green, but as they mature, they undergo a transformation, assuming a rich chocolate brown hue. However, the nuts remain nestled within their protective hulls for an additional six weeks, awaiting the drying process. These nuts often cluster together, forming groups of up to 12, resembling diminutive acorns. Harvest time for filberts usually occurs during the last week of August, with collection lasting through September. While European filberts are harvested by hand for commercial markets, their American counterparts in Washington State and Oregon benefit from mechanical gathering methods.

The American filbert, scientifically known as 'Corylus Americana Walt.,' thrives in its native forests in bush form, though it can be trained to resemble a small tree by removing lower limbs. Remarkably resilient, this filbert variety can withstand frigid temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, spanning across Zones 3 to 9. Its range stretches from Maine to Georgia and westward to Missouri and Oklahoma. Propagation of American filberts is commonly achieved through clump division. Tenacious and adaptable, these trees can rise from the ashes of severely burned forests, utilizing their large rhizomes buried six inches beneath the soil. Shade-tolerant, the American filbert can thrive with as little as 1% light intensity, gracing streams, woodlands, pastures, roadsides, and forest edges with their presence. These trees can begin producing nuts as early as the second year. Filberts serve as a vital source of sustenance for mammals, quail, deer, and various avian species.

The kernels of filberts find their way into an array of culinary delights, enriching cereals, confections, candies, cakes, and canned assortments of pure hazelnuts or mixed nuts, often enjoyed during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Additionally, filbert hazelnuts lend their distinctive flavor to soups, can be savored in their raw form, or ground into a flour to create delectable bread-like cakes.

The global production of filbert hazelnuts is predominantly dominated by Europe and the Middle East. A staggering 75-80% of the world's supply is harvested from orchards nestled near the Black Sea, bordering Turkey. Italy and Sicily contribute another 15% to the market, while Washington State and Oregon stake a modest 2% claim.

Beyond their culinary allure, filberts have also captured the attention of health enthusiasts seeking to reduce the risk of heart disease. The FDA recognizes the potential benefits, stating that consuming a mere 1.5 ounces of hazelnuts per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular ailments. A groundbreaking study conducted at a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, confirmed this notion, revealing that men who consumed nuts twice a week or more experienced a staggering 47% reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death, along with a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease death.

As we unveil the captivating story of filberts, we uncover a tale that intertwines legends, history, and scientific discoveries. These unassuming nuts have transcended time, traversing continents to become a cherished part of our culinary traditions and a potential key to better health. So, the next time you savor a filbert, let its rich heritage and manifold wonders inspire you, for within its humble shell lies a story that spans millennia.