Hazelnut Oil

What Is Hazelnut Oil?

Hazelnut oil (Corylus avellana) is a special oil with a dark golden color and an intense roasted hazelnut smell, obtained by cold-pressing roasted or raw hazelnuts. It is one of the traditional products of the Black Sea region; since its production is laborious, it is more expensive than olive oil or sunflower oil.

Roasted hazelnut oil produced by hot pressing is darker in color and more intensely aromatic; cold-pressed hazelnut oil is lighter in color and mildly sweet.

Nutritional Value of Hazelnut Oil

Hazelnut oil, providing about 884 kcal of energy per 100 grams, is almost entirely fat, with a fatty acid profile made up largely of monounsaturated fat (mainly oleic acid); this ratio brings it close to olive oil.

What Are the Benefits of Hazelnut Oil?

With a high monounsaturated fat ratio, hazelnut oil is considered one of the options that can replace saturated fat as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; hazelnut oil is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People allergic to hazelnuts should not consume hazelnut oil.

How to Choose Hazelnut Oil?

When choosing hazelnut oil, how well the packaging blocks light and the freshness of its smell should be checked.

• The bottle should be dark glass, not exposed to light for long periods.
• A distinct roasted hazelnut smell without a bitter aroma should be sought.
• Small-volume bottles should be preferred; it needs to be consumed quickly after opening.

How to Store Hazelnut Oil?

Hazelnut oil is sensitive to light and heat; storing it in its dark bottle in a cool cabinet or the refrigerator helps its aroma stay preserved longer. It may become slightly cloudy in the refrigerator and clear up again at room temperature.

Using Hazelnut Oil in the Kitchen

Hazelnut oil is not heat-resistant; for this reason, it is used as a finishing oil rather than a cooking oil. It is added in a few drops to salad dressings, cold meze, and desserts to bring out its aroma.

How Is Hazelnut Oil Used?

It is used mixed with olive oil in salad dressing, drizzled over cooked vegetables, or added at the final stage to cake and pastry recipes; cooking it at high heat evaporates its aroma.

Which Recipes Use Hazelnut Oil?

It is used as a finishing touch in leafy salads, hazelnut oil vinaigrette dressings, some cake recipes, and baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hazelnut oil good for?

Hazelnut oil, with its high monounsaturated fat ratio, is one of the oils considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not carry a claim to cure any disease.

Is hazelnut oil used for frying?

Not recommended; due to its low smoke point and high cost, it is used as a finishing oil rather than a frying oil.

Where should hazelnut oil be stored?

It should be stored in its dark bottle in a cool cabinet or the refrigerator; light and heat quickly degrade its aroma.

Are hazelnut oil and hazelnut spread the same thing?

No. Hazelnut oil is a pure oil obtained by pressing hazelnuts; hazelnut spread is a solid-consistency product obtained by grinding roasted hazelnuts.

Which dishes suit hazelnut oil?

It is used in a few drops in leafy salads, cooked root vegetables, creamy soups, and some dessert recipes.