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What Do Americans Call Hazelnuts?

Published in Nut Terminology 3 mins read

Americans commonly refer to these popular nuts as hazelnuts. While "hazelnut" is the general term for the nut, there are specific terms used to differentiate between varieties and species, particularly in a North American context.

Common Terminology for Hazelnuts in America

The terminology for hazelnuts can vary depending on the specific species or geographic origin. In North America, the general term "hazelnut" is widely understood and used for the edible nut. However, distinctions are often made for the plants themselves:

  • Hazels: This term is generally used to refer to North American species of the hazel plant. These native varieties are sometimes cultivated for their nuts.
  • Filberts: While less common for North American species, "filbert" is a term more frequently applied to European varieties of the hazelnut plant and their nuts. This term is also sometimes used interchangeably with hazelnut, especially for larger, more elongated nuts.
  • Cobnuts: This is another term, less common in the U.S. but sometimes encountered, primarily referring to certain European varieties, often those with a rounder shape.

Understanding these distinctions can be helpful when discussing the botanical origins or specific types of hazelnuts.

Key Differences in Naming

To clarify the common usage:

Term Common Usage in North America
Hazelnut The most common and widely understood general term for the edible nut, regardless of its origin.
Hazels Typically refers to species of the plant native to North America.
Filbert Primarily used for European species of the plant or their nuts.
Cobnuts A less common term, sometimes referring to specific European varieties.

Hazelnut vs. Filbert: A Closer Look

Historically, "filbert" was often associated with larger, more elongated nuts and certain European cultivars, while "hazelnut" served as the umbrella term. In modern American usage, hazelnut has become the predominant general term for the nut from any species.

For instance, when you buy a bag of nuts at a grocery store in the U.S., they will almost invariably be labeled "hazelnuts," regardless of whether their lineage traces back to North American or European species. However, discussions among botanists, farmers, or those interested in specific plant varieties might use "hazel" for native species or "filbert" for specific European ones.

Applications and Varieties

Hazelnuts are cherished for their rich, buttery flavor and are a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications, including:

  • Baking: Found in cookies, cakes, and pastries.
  • Confectionery: A key ingredient in chocolates, pralines, and spreads like Nutella.
  • Snacks: Enjoyed roasted, salted, or raw.
  • Beverages: Used in flavored coffees and liqueurs.

North America has its own native species, such as the American Hazel (Corylus americana), which are being explored for commercial cultivation due to their hardiness and flavor profile. These are distinct from the European Hazel (Corylus avellana), which is the primary source of the world's commercial hazelnut production.

For more information on hazelnuts and their cultivation, you can refer to agricultural resources like those provided by university extension programs.