Hazelnuts are highly rich in proteins, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. In fact, hazelnuts have a higher vitamin C content than tomatoes. They are known as the “Fantastic Five” along with peaches, apricots, plums, and cherries, and are also known as the “King of Dried Fruits”.
Should you choose round or flat hazelnuts?
When purchasing hazelnuts, you will find that they come in two shapes: round and flat. The difference in shape is mainly due to the position inside the hazelnut. Hazelnuts are covered with a greenish-brown prickly shell, and the nuts on the left and right sides are round, while the nuts in the center are flat. This difference in shape also affects their taste.
The plumper nuts are located on the outer edges and receive more sunlight, resulting in a higher sugar content and a more substantial flesh. These nuts have a more fragrant and sweeter taste. The flatter nuts tend to be “trapped in cracks,” so they receive less sunlight and have a lower sugar content, making them less sweet.
3 types of hazelnuts you should buy
1. Buy hazelnuts that are brown-red in color
When purchasing hazelnuts, the first thing you should observe is the color. Fresh hazelnuts are usually brown or reddish-brown in color, very shiny, without any discoloration or black spots, and have a red tip.
2. Buy small hazelnuts
Smaller hazelnuts are juicier, more tender, and sweeter. In addition, the meat of small hazelnuts contains low starch content, high protein content, and a rich flavor, making them suitable for frying or stir-frying. On the other hand, larger hazelnuts have a lower sugar content, higher starch content, and a harder nutmeat, so it is recommended to choose smaller hazelnuts.
3. Buy hazelnuts with fuzz
When buying hazelnuts, some people prefer to buy hazelnuts with a smooth and shiny appearance. However, this is actually a mistake. When hazelnuts are freshly peeled, they have a layer of fuzz. Hazelnuts with a smooth surface are usually stored longer. In general, the more fuzz hazelnuts have, the fresher they are and the lower the possibility of spoilage.
3 types of hazelnuts you should not buy
1. Do not buy ones with holes on the surface
Hazelnuts are high in sugar and are prone to insect infestation. When buying hazelnuts, carefully examine the surface for visible cracks, as this indicates that the nuts are damaged and not suitable for consumption.
2. Do not buy hazelnuts with soft shells
When buying hazelnuts, squeeze them with your hand. If the shell is soft, it means the nuts are not plump and there is empty space inside. Therefore, do not buy hazelnuts with soft shells.
3. Do not buy hazelnuts with a odor
Pick up a hazelnut and hold it in front of your nose to smell it. Fresh and ripe hazelnuts will have a slight sweet aroma, while hazelnuts with a sour or alcoholic smell indicate spoilage.
To cook delicious boiled hazelnuts, you need to peel the shells. After careful selection, rinse the hazelnuts under running water several times to ensure cleanliness. Then, place them in a colander to drain. To make it easier to remove the shells, it is necessary to score the skins. This step requires effort and can be challenging, especially for women. If you are not careful, the knife may cut your hand.
– First, prepare a cutting board, a knife, and a paper towel.
– Place the hazelnuts on the paper towel or directly on the cutting board. Hold one hazelnut firmly with one hand and use the knife to make two diagonal cuts, forming an X. Make only shallow cuts of about 1-2mm deep, without cutting into the meat. When boiled, the shells will easily come off. Be cautious and hold the hazelnuts firmly to avoid injury. At first, it may feel unfamiliar, but scoring 2-3 hazelnuts will make it easier.
A quick and efficient method to peel hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are delicious but can be difficult to peel and may cause pain if not handled carefully. Is there a good way to peel them? Today, I will teach you a little trick.
1. After purchasing the hazelnuts, soak them in water for a while to soften the shells, then use scissors to make two holes on the shells.
2. Boil water in a pot and add the hazelnuts, along with a little sugar to enhance the sweetness. Boil the hazelnuts for an additional 10 minutes, then remove them from the pot.
3. Hazelnuts are easier to peel when still warm, so peel them while they are still hot.
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