Hazelnut, Corylus avellana, is the European hazel whose round nuts are eaten whole, roasted and ground into spreads and chocolates. Turkey grows most of the world’s crop. In India it is an imported grocery nut, though a related Indian tree hazel grows wild in the western Himalaya.
- Botanical name
- Corylus avellana L.
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Tamil
- Hazelnut
- Hindi
- Pahadi badam
- Parts used
- Kernel
- Habit
- Temperate cob; badam is a shop word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-25
How to recognise Hazelnut
It is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with rounded, toothed, softly hairy leaves.
In late winter, before the leaves, it hangs out long yellow male catkins. The tiny female flowers are just red tufts on the buds.
Nuts grow in small clusters, each wrapped in a frilly, leafy husk that is shorter than the nut.
The filbert, Corylus maxima, has a longer husk that covers the nut entirely. Indian tree hazel, Corylus jacquemontii, is a Himalayan tree with similar nuts.
Traditional use of Hazelnut
Food
Hazelnuts have been gathered in Europe since the Stone Age and are used in baking, confectionery and spreads.
European food history
Craft
Hazel stems are coppiced in Europe for hurdles, fencing and bean poles.
European woodland craft
Modern notes on Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are rich in unsaturated fats, vitamin E and fibre, and they fit into heart-healthy diets in moderate amounts.
Hazelnut is one of the more common tree-nut allergies, and it can cause severe reactions.
Hazelnut safety
People with tree-nut allergies should avoid hazelnuts and check labels on chocolates and spreads.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to Europe and western Asia, growing in woodland and hedgerows.
Hazel is wind-pollinated, which is why it flowers in winter before the leaves get in the way.
Hazel needs a cool, moist climate, which is why it is not grown commercially in most of India.
Related plants
Questions about Hazelnut
Is Hazelnut badam?
No. Badam is almond, Prunus dulcis.
Does hazel grow in India?
The Indian tree hazel, Corylus jacquemontii, grows in the western Himalaya.
Can Hazelnut cause allergy?
Yes. Hazelnut allergy is common and can be severe.
How should hazelnuts be stored?
Cool and airtight. Their oils turn rancid in heat.
Sources
- Corylus avellana L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q124969 (Corylus avellana)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.