Die Haselnuss

The hazelnut is one of the first woody plants to have settled in Europe after the Ice Ages – its kernels have nourished the early European peoples. Accordingly, there is a close cultural connection to the hazel, and its significance in culinary practices is substantial. Today, hazelnuts are cultivated in countless varieties around the globe, for nut production, as street trees, hedge plants, or ornamental shrubs. In their wild form, they mark the edges of forests, line waterways, and thrive in high altitudes. The common hazelnut is just one species of a diverse genus that includes a good dozen species as well as some hybrids. This book presents, for the first time, all cultivated species and hybrids in detailed portraits. Wonderfully illustrated, it offers rich knowledge about the hazelnut and its diverse culture, history, and tradition – complemented by a culinary additional chapter.