Forms Available and Potential Uses
Oregon Hazelnuts are available in a wide variety of forms or processors can customize to individual specifications. In addition to product in the shell, availability includes:
| Form | Description | Function | Trends & Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inshell | |||
| Clean, dry, in the shell. | Longer shelf life. | Snacking whole or partially cracked. | |
| Kernels | |||
| Whole Natural | Whole kernel - brown skin intact. | Nut recognition, coat with candy / chocolate. | Snack, confectionery, bakery. |
| Whole Roasted | Roasted - skins more loose. | Flavor intensified. | Snack, confectionery, bakery, garnish. |
| Diced, natural or roasted | Size from small to large (approx.1/16" - 3/8") | Even distribution, uniform intensified flavor, crunchy texture and appearance | Bakery, artisan breads, confectionery, entrees, salads, soups, encrusting,cereals, bars, toppings, dairy products. |
| Whole & Broken (Pieces) | Whole kernels, halves and pieces. | ||
| Sliced | Whole kernels sliced lengthwise. | Decorating cakes, cookies, pastries, candies. | |
| Meal | Finely ground, free flowing. | Flour replacer, binding and flavoring agent. | Bakery, fillings & sauces, low carb foods, health foods, confectionery, ice cream. |
| Hazelnut Butter | |||
| Finely ground nuts. Consistency similar to natural peanut butter; unsweetened. (25 +or- 5 microns) | Adds flavor, richness & protein, lowers melting point of chocolate for creamy texture, replaces carbohydrates. | Bakery, dairy, yogurt, icings, fillings, toppings, variegates, truffles, tortes, background flavor. | |
| Hazelnut Paste | |||
| Finely ground nuts. Sugar added; spreadable but grainy. Light, medium or dark roast. | Adds body, sweetness, flavor & moisture. Lowers melting point of chocolate for creamy texture. | Bakery icings and fillings, confectionery, dairy. | |
