In Italy, autumn marks the season for harvesting hazelnuts. This ancient shrub, dating back to prehistoric times, spread across Europe following the last glaciation. Today, Italy ranks as the second-largest producers of hazelnuts in the world, behind Turkey, thanks in part to the prized varieties of the Sicilian hazelnut cultivated in the Nebrodi Mountains, and renowned for their exquisite balance of aroma, fragrance, and texture.
The Nebrodi Mountains are home to the most extensive green area in all of Sicily. Of its vast 90,000 hectares, approximately 12,000 to 15,000 are dedicated to hazelnut groves. Since at least the 1600s, hazelnuts have been a vital source of wealth for this region, which boasts Sicily’s largest protected natural reserve. Traditionally, the production has been safeguarded by local women, but it wasn’t until around 1890 that the hazelnut from Nebrodi began to distinguish itself from other Italian and foreign varieties. Its sweeter flavor, intense aroma, and remarkable organoleptic properties – rich in selenium, potassium, omega-3 and 6, and vitamin E – have since earned it widespread recognition.
The Nebrodi Hazelnut Triangle
The Sicilian hazelnut is a true gem of Sicilian gastronomy. If you believe that the island’s nut production revolves solely around the famous Bronte pistachio, think again. Sicily is, in fact, one of Italy’s top four regions for hazelnut cultivation, with the Nebrodi Mountains producing 80% of the island’s supply.
This production is concentrated in a triangular area connecting the towns of Castel’Umberto, Tortorici, and Ucria, covering roughly 12,000 to 15,000 hectares. The harvest occurs when the nuts have fully matured, typically between September and October, as they begin to detach and fall, and the surrounding husks dry up.
Intensive hazelnut farming took root at the end of the 19th century, following the decline of sericulture. Hazelnut trees swiftly replaced mulberry groves and flourished, thanks to their remarkable adaptability to the local environment.
Characteristics of the Sicilian Hazelnut
The Sicilian hazelnut is proudly listed among Sicily’s Traditional Agri-food Products and is celebrated for its delicate yet distinct flavor, achieved through the perfect harmony of its robust and pleasing aroma, bold aftertaste, fragrant scent, and satisfyingly crunchy texture – an absolutely winning combination.
Rich in calories but low in water content, hazelnuts are a nutritional powerhouse, though they should be enjoyed in moderation. A 100-gram serving provides 655 calories and is composed of 88% lipids, around 8% protein, and 4% carbohydrates. Hazelnuts are excellent sources of oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and palmitic acid, with zero cholesterol.
They also offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, vitamin A, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Additionally, they contain 11 mg of sodium per 100 grams, along with phytic acid, manganese, and folates, which are particularly beneficial during pregnancy.
Sicilian hazelnuts are thus an ideal choice for promoting overall health. The omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids they contain help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Noted for their antioxidant properties, thanks to their selenium content, they are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with celiac disease as they are also gluten-free.
Sicilian Hazelnut: Culinary Delights
The Sicilian hazelnut is primarily used in pastry-making, though it also finds interesting applications in savory dishes. Among the recipes where it plays a starring role are the pasta reale of Tortorici (a traditional convent sweet), croccantini (similar to brutti ma buoni), nougat, and the ramette of Longi (simple yet delicious cookies). Not to mention hazelnut gelato – it’s unthinkable to be in Sicily and not try it. Other noteworthy uses include hazelnut pesto as a flavorful pasta sauce and a delicious hazelnut liqueur.
Fun facts: The hazelnut tree is considered sacred, and folklore suggests that sleeping under its shade brings peace of mind. Blessed hazelnuts are placed in the Nativity scene at Christmas and later given to those suffering from colic, as popular belief holds that healing will come swiftly.
