Predictably, a hazelnut is the nut of the hazel. Hazelnuts are also known as cob nuts or filbert nuts, being one or the other depending on the species. Hazelnuts are mostly collected from the ground and separated mechanically once the nuts have fallen off the trees. Hazelnut orchards may be harvested up to three times during the harvest season depending on the quantity of nuts in the trees and rate

of nut drop as a result of weather. Hazelnuts add a unique flavour and texture to a wide variety of products. They are the key ingredient in the production of some fine confections like praline and chocolate truffle and are also used in spreads, bakery products, snack mixes and many others. Hazelnut oil, pressed from hazelnuts, is strongly flavoured and is used as cooking oil.