Growing
Organic Hazelnuts
History of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts have a fascinating history that spans thousands of years! Here are some key points:
Ancient Origins 
Hazelnuts are native to Europe, Asia, and the Corylus americana variety is native to the United States. Evidence of large-scale hazelnut processing dates to around 6000 BC, with significant findings on the island of Colonsay in Scotland. Archaeologists discovered a pit filled with hundreds of thousands of burned hazelnut shells, indicating communal harvesting. In the United States, hazelnuts have been a source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in Native American food cultures for time immemorial.
Cultural Significance
Hazelnuts have been important in various cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece and Rome, they were gathered for food. In China, hazelnuts were considered one of the five sacred foods. During the Middle Ages in Europe, they were a common food for the population.
Modern Usage
Today, hazelnuts are widely used in various culinary applications, from baking and desserts to chocolate spreads and healthful snack products. Oregon is the #1 producer in the United States.
Symbolism
Historically, hazelnuts have been symbols of wisdom, good luck, resilience, and fertility. With the rise of Christianity in Europe, they were given new meanings and became part of Christmas traditions, especially in German cookies and pastries.
Organic, Sustainable and ReGen—What do they mean?
These terms are often loosely used and can be confusing. Let’s break down the differences between Organic, Sustainable, and Regenerative (ReGen) agriculture.
Growing & Harvesting
Life Stages of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts go through several stages from the initial planting to the point they are ready for harvest. Here’s a brief overview of these stages of life:
Seedling:
Most Oregon hazelnuts are grown from clones, using a technique called French layering. These young trees need careful nurturing as they develop their root systems and begin to grow.
Vegetative Growth:
During this phase, the hazelnut plant focuses on developing its structure—growing branches, leaves, and a sturdy trunk. This stage can last for a few years as the plant matures.
Flowering:
Hazelnut trees produce both male (catkins) and female (small red) flowers in Winter. Pollination occurs through wind, as the male catkins release pollen that fertilizes the tiny female flowers that even bees cannot fit inside. The flowers must be pollinated by not just another plant, but another variety since they are propagated through cloning.
Fruit Development:
4-6 weeks after pollination, fertilized flowers develop into hazelnuts. The nuts begin to form in clusters, protected by leafy husks. The nuts continue to grow and mature throughout the summer.
Maturity and Harvest:
By late summer or early fall, the hazelnuts reach full maturity. The husks dry out and the nuts are ready for harvest. Farmers typically wait until the nuts fall naturally before collecting them.
Post-Harvest Processing:
After harvesting, the nuts are usually cleaned, dried, and sorted. They may be minimally processed for products like roasted hazelnuts, or further processed into products like hazelnut oil, or hazelnut butter.
Water Usage
Oregon’s hazelnut growers typically use water efficiently and strategically to ensure sustainable production. Here are some key points about their water usage:
Irrigation Practices: While many hazelnut orchards in Oregon are not irrigated, drip irrigation is increasingly being adopted. This method is particularly beneficial for young orchards, helping them establish faster and producing nuts sooner. Drip irrigation also allows for fertigation, where nutrients are delivered directly to the roots through the irrigation system.
Water Sources: Growers often use water from local sources such as rivers and wells. For example, some farms pump water from one of Oregon’s many rivers, like the Yamhill River and the Willamette River, and use sand filtration systems to ensure clean water for irrigation.
Water Management: Efficient water management practices, such as irrigation scheduling and monitoring soil moisture levels, help optimize water use and reduce waste. Conservation practices like maintaining ground cover and improving irrigation efficiency are also promoted to enhance soil quality and water conservation.
Dry farming is a widely used agricultural technique used on farms to grow crops without relying on irrigation, instead relying solely on the moisture present in the soil from natural rainfall. Dry farming can be challenging, but it promotes sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on irrigation and conserving water resources.
Here are some key aspects of dry farming:
Soil Preparation: Farmers prepare the soil to maximize water retention, often using techniques like mulching to reduce evaporation. This is typically done in irrigated hazelnut orchards with young trees.
Tree Spacing: Trees are spaced further apart to reduce competition for water.
Moisture Conservation: Techniques such as keeping the soil covered with organic matter help conserve soil moisture.
Timing: Planting is usually timed to coincide with periods of higher natural soil moisture. Harvesting is usually timed with periods of low natural soil moisture.
Pollination
Hazelnuts are wind-pollinated, which means they rely on the wind to carry pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. This wind-pollination method is quite efficient for hazelnut trees, allowing them to produce nuts without the need for bees or other pollinators. However, it does mean that the weather conditions can significantly impact pollination success.
Catkins
Here is a more detailed look at the process:
Male Flowers (Catkins): In late winter or early spring, hazelnut trees produce long, pendulous male flowers called catkins. These catkins release enormous amounts of pollen into the air.
Female Flowers: The female flowers are much smaller and less conspicuous. They appear as tiny, red-tipped buds on the branches. Each female flower contains a single ovule that can be fertilized by the pollen.
Female Flowers
Pollination: When the wind carries the pollen from the catkins, it can land on the female flowers. The pollen must then travel down the style to reach the ovule for fertilization to occur.
Fertilization and Nut Development: Once fertilized, the ovule develops into a hazelnut. This process takes several months, with the nut maturing and growing throughout the summer before it is ready for harvest in the fall.
Annual Production Steps
The production process for Oregon’s organic hazelnuts vary from farm to farm, but will involve several stages throughout the year, from preparation to harvest and post-harvest activities. Especially for organic farmers, there is a large variation in practices, but it is largely similar to what is shown here.
Winter
Planting: If new trees are being planted, this is typically done in Winter.
Pruning and Orchard Maintenance: During the dormant season, farmers prune hazelnut trees to remove dead or diseased wood and shape the canopy for optimal light penetration and air circulation. This can also be a good time to remove the previous year’s suckers.
Soil Preparation: Farmers prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper nutrient levels to support healthy growth.
Flowering and Pollination: Hazelnut trees flower in late winter to early spring, and wind pollination occurs naturally.
Spring
Irrigation: Established orchards may begin irrigation, especially drip irrigation, to support young trees.
Weed Management: Farmers may choose to manage weeds through cultivation, mulching, or organic herbicides to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Pest and Disease Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are used to monitor and control pests and diseases using organic methods. These practices can include the use of moth traps, bird and bat boxes, pheromone disruptors, and providing a welcoming habitat for beneficial pests. Post-harvest, nuts that remain on the ground can be grazed by pigs to provide a clean orchard floor.
Summer
Fertilization: Organic fertilizers are applied to provide essential nutrients for tree growth and nut development.
Pest and Disease Management: IPM practices continue to monitor and control pests and diseases using organic methods.
Nut Development: The fertilized flowers develop into hazelnuts, which grow and mature throughout the summer.
Late Summer to Early Fall:
Irrigation: Continued irrigation may be necessary, especially in dry years, to ensure adequate water supply for nut development. Growers who are dry farming hope for adequate rainfall.
Fall
Harvesting: Hazelnuts are typically harvested in late summer to early fall when the husks begin to split, and the nuts fall naturally. Mechanical harvesters are typically used for commercial orchards.
Post-Harvest Processing: After harvesting, nuts are cleaned, dried, sorted by size, shelled, and separated to remove debris and ensure quality.
Post-Harvest
Storage: Hazelnuts are stored in cool, dry conditions to maintain freshness and prevent mold.
Marketing and Distribution: Organic hazelnuts are marketed and distributed to various buyers, including food processors, retailers, and consumers, mostly by processors.
Harvesting
Hazelnut harvesting is a multi-step process that ensures the nuts are collected at their peak quality. Here’s how it’s typically done:
Why Oregon?
Choosing hazelnuts from Oregon offers several unique advantages. Here are some compelling reasons to look for the mark of Oregon Organic Hazelnuts.
