Most of us, especially coffee lovers, must have been aware of the hazelnut flavour that just adds up to the taste. And while we may be acquainted with the flavour, most people do not know that hazelnut is actually a nut that can be eaten like other nuts! There are many countries that produce hazelnuts but Turkish hazelnuts are said to be the best amongst the lot, reason being premium quality and better taste. Sadly, even though it is a nutritious nut, due to poor recognition, people are not able to enjoy and benefit from it. Through this article, we would like to spread awareness about Turkish hazelnuts and why they should get a place in our must-have nuts list.
Nutritional significance of Turkish hazelnuts
First things first, let’s talk about the many health benefits of Turkish hazelnuts. According to Celebrity Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, these are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, fibre, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, and more such nutrients that make it a power-packed nut. Its regular consumption can:
- aid diabetes management
- reduce bad cholesterol levels
- boost cardiovascular health
- reduce the risk of heart problems including heart attack
- regulate blood pressure
- improve skin health
How To Add To Your Diet
Hazelnuts have a distinct flavour that goes pretty well with coffees and chocolates but its consumption is not limited to these. Turkish hazelnuts are very versatile when it comes to adding to our diet. These can be consumed as a snack, added in salads to give taste and crunch, used as a binding agent while making snacks, added to smoothies and shakes, to name but a few. In a nutshell, hazelnuts are as easy to consume as other nuts.
Upon asking how many hazelnuts should be consumed in a day at max, Chef Sabyasachi says that a handful of hazelnuts are good to be consumed in a day. You can have many as per your liking but it is best to eat in moderation.
What Makes Turkish Hazelnuts Different From Others?
As mentioned, there are many hazelnut producing countries but Turkish hazelnuts are considered best. Turkey produces a major chunk of hazelnut worldwide which is approximately 70-80%. This makes Turkish Hazelnuts the most produced and exported. Besides, these are said to have a higher fat percentage as compared to others, increasing its nutritional value.
During a recent interaction with Mr Gunjan Jain, President, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI), we got a chance to ask him about hazelnuts consumption in India. According to Mr Jain, “Currently India consumes about 800 tons of hazelnuts exported from different parts of the world which has doubled up since last year. We are seeing a steep rise in consumption of nuts which is a good sign that people are slowly becoming aware and availing the benefits of nuts.”
Also Read: How To Eat Your Nuts For Maximum Benefits
Additionally, since we do not grow hazelnuts in India as of now, other home-grown nuts are getting more importance and access to our plates. Now that Turkish hazelnuts have entered the Indian market, we can run awareness drives to make people adopt these nuts too.”
Final Word
Turkish hazelnuts are not only nutritious but also scrumptious. These can be easily added to your diet and increase your nutritional intake. These are readily available though slightly expensive as compared to other nuts but you must give them brownie points for being rich in nutrients.