Production Flow of Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts go through a multi-stage production process before reaching the market. Here are the key steps in the process:

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1. Cultivation & Care

• Hazelnut trees require a temperate climate with mild winters and not-too-hot summers.
• The main production countries are Turkey, Italy, the USA, Azerbaijan, and Chile.
• Regular irrigation and plant care are essential for a good harvest.

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2. Flowering & Pollination

• Hazelnut trees bloom early in the year (January to March).
• Pollination occurs via the wind, as hazelnuts do not require insect pollination.

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3. Fruit Development & Ripening

• After pollination, the nuts develop slowly over several months.
• Hazelnuts ripen in late summer or early autumn and are ready for harvest.

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4. Harvesting

• The harvest usually takes place in September/October, when hazelnuts naturally fall to the ground.
• Manual harvesting: Nuts are collected by hand.
• Mechanical harvesting: Special machines sweep the nuts together and vacuum them up.

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5. Drying

• Freshly harvested hazelnuts have a high moisture content and must be dried.
• Drying is done either naturally in the air or special drying chambers.

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6. Processing

• The dried hazelnuts are shelled to remove the hard outer shell.
• Depending on the intended use, they are roasted, chopped, or ground.
• A significant portion of hazelnuts is used in the chocolate, confectionery, and baking industries.

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7. Packaging & Distribution

• Processed hazelnuts are packaged in various forms (whole, chopped, ground, or as a paste).
• Distribution takes place through food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers worldwide.

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