Hazel Nuts

Hazelnuts, also known as filbert nuts or cobnuts depending on their species, are produced by hazel trees, which grow in temperate climates in many parts of the world, although they are native to Europe and Asia. A cob is oval or spherical while a filbert is more elongated. After pollination, it takes about 7-8 months for the nut to ripe and fall out of the husk. Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnut in the world and in the American states of Oregon and Washington hazelnuts are produced in large commercial quantities. Chile, Australia and New Zealand also produce hazelnuts.
Benefits of Hazel Nuts:
Hazelnuts are high in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid, which helps to lower cholesterol.
Hazelnuts are rich in minerals, particularly in manganese, selenium and zinc. The minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium from hazelnuts help to lower cholesterol.
Hazelnuts are a good source of energy with their 60.5% fat content.
They are rich source of vitamin E which helps prevent oxidation of the polyunsaturated fats