Hazelnuts grow in clusters on the Common Hazel (typically a shrub that is native to Europe and Asia). The nut grows within a fuzzy outer husk that opens as it ripens to reveal the shell of the hazelnut; the hazelnut or filbert is the edible kernel or seed of the nut that is surrounded by a dark brown skin.

Used largely in the baking and confectionery industries for its sweet, rich flavor, hazelnuts are fast becoming a nut on which to snack. This distinctively flavorful nut is a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and heart healthy B vitamins. Whether adding hazelnuts to a recipe, having a spoonful of hazelnut butter, indulging in the chocolate covered variety, or just eating them roasted and salted, be sure that you are also providing yourself with heart healthy goodness.