Mei Lin Zhang
This is a type of nut just like cashew, peanut, walnut, which is the sixth world consumed nut. It has its origins from Southern Europe but also has over the years spread to other countries where they grow it for commercial purposes. Countries that cultivate it may include; USA and Turkey, among other regions in the world.
Hazelnuts have a large nutritional value and therefore contribute to a healthy diet to a person who consumes them. .It contains proteins, vitamin E, fat, and dietary fiber. It has a lot of health benefits, but to mention a few, it helps people to lose weight, and this has been evident where research has been done and concluded that the people who ate the hazelnuts were not susceptible to obesity, and they reduced their weights. Other values are as follows; lowers the cholesterol level of a person, it eases inflammation, improves the level of sensitivity of insulin, and it also protects body cells from damage, among others.
These nuts have had various uses from the plants they are extracted from to the nuts themselves. It’s used as a source of food where people mix it with other ingredients like grain, vegetables, and meat. It has other uses like it’s used to make oil, liqueur, and also flour. Some of the products made by this nut include; hazelnut butter, and chocolates among others. The majority of its processed products are used in flavor and ingredients in some food manufacture.
1. Almonds
Almonds are seeds that can be eaten raw as nuts, manufactured to make various products and too similar to the hazelnuts, the almond has almost the same health benefits and the types of nutrients it contains. It is sought to contain a very similar texture to that of hazelnuts. Almonds produce oil, butter, flour, and almond milk. The nutrients contribution includes proteins, fats, fiber, vitamin E, and manganese. Products that are made with this nut are; cakes, some liqueur, oil, chocolate, and ice cream.
Summary
It’s evident from above mentioned that almonds can be a suitable substitute considering all its similarities with the hazelnuts that are in terms of the health benefits, its nutritional value, and also the similar manufactured products. The only difference that would come up is the texture.
2. Pecans
Pecans are large nuts that have a red-brown shell. Just like the hazelnuts, pecans are used as food ingredients and can be substituted with each other to bring out something similar but with a little taste difference and texture. They are used to make sweet dishes, and its flour is used for baking. It is also used to make pecan oil. Mostly when you are baking, that’s where the substitution comes. If you lack pecans in your ingredients, the other choice of a nut that can be used definitely is the hazelnuts and others, which include the Brazil nuts and macadamia nuts.
Summary
Pecans have similar nutritional value to that of the hazelnuts, which may include reducing cholesterol, which helps in lowering heart disease. It also contains similar nutrients like vitamins Vitamin E, in particular, proteins too. As a food ingredient, it’s substitutable, but the difference is in the taste and color.
3. Macadamia nuts
Like the almond nuts, macadamia is seeds. Different from the nuts mentioned above, this one is found in a very hard shell. They are mostly produced in bulk and for commercial purposes in South Africa and Hawaii. It has a similar nutritional value like that of the hazelnuts, which is it is responsible for reduced inflammation and weight loss. Different health benefits may include; improving blood pressure and reducing lipid levels. These nuts are rich in vitamin E calcium — Manganese, iron, and fiber. Macadamia nuts are sweeter than the other nuts, so if they replace hazelnuts, the outcome will slightly change due to the sweet taste.
Summary
Both of these nuts are similar in some ways and different in others. Like mentioned earlier, macadamia refers to seeds, while hazelnuts are the real nuts. In terms of their flavors, it’s similar and tastes too. When making bread or cookies, one can opt to use macadamia nuts instead of the chopped hazelnuts. A time when one is required to use hazelnuts butter, he or she can use macadamia instead. Still, now the difference comes in where macadamia offers low protein and high-fat contents, so the prepared dish comes out slightly different.
4. Cashew nuts
This is another nut similar to the macadamia in terms of high-fat content. They come from a cashew apple and have a shape that appears like a kidney. It can be eaten raw or cooked by roasting. Hazelnuts similar to cashew nuts have high-fat content and so replacing each other brings out results that are creamy and similar. For its nutritional value, cashew nuts are rich in protein, fat, magnesium, iron, and copper. It helps people consuming it to lose weight easily, ensures healthy hair, and also protects the eye.
Summary
If you are looking for a recipe ingredient to replace hazelnuts, cashew nuts can serve that purpose. The reason being the nutritional value is quite similar; however, the taste will be a little bit different; the result is all the same.
5. Walnut
This is a nut that is quite similar to the hazelnut, as both of them contain almost equal amounts of fats and proteins. Walnuts are harvested from a walnut tree, and like the mentioned nuts above, they are rich in protein, low fat, and fiber. It also has health benefits, which may include; decreasing inflammation, manages weight, lowers blood pressure, and lastly, it supports a good functioning brain. Cashew nuts make products like cashew milk, cookies, and caramels.
Summary
Walnuts like macadamia or almonds are good replacements for hazelnuts because of their crunchy texture and a good flavor that blends well in chocolates. Replacing hazelnuts with walnuts is okay since nothing much changes from the outcome. It’s just a matter of a person’s preference of the nut to use, considering the nutritional value, health advantage, and the taste of the prepared dish.
Summary Table
| Item | Calories (per 100g) | Total Fats (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Proteins (g) | Source | Works Best In |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds | 579 | 49.4 | 21.7 | 21.2 | Nuts of Prunus dulcis tree | Snacking, baking, salads |
| Pecans | 691 | 71.9 | 13.9 | 9.2 | Nuts of Carya illinoinensis tree | Baking, pies, trail mix |
| Macadamia Nuts | 718 | 75.8 | 13.8 | 7.9 | Nuts of Macadamia integrifolia tree | Snacking, baking, desserts |
| Cashew Nuts | 553 | 43.9 | 30.2 | 18.2 | Nuts of Anacardium occidentale tree | Snacking, cooking, curries |
| Walnuts | 654 | 65.2 | 13.7 | 15.2 | Nuts of Juglans regia tree | Baking, salads, oatmeal |
FAQs
What is a substitute for hazelnuts in pie crust?
If you’re looking to replace hazelnuts in a pie crust, you can use other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. These nuts can provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your crust.
What nuts are closest to hazelnuts?
Pecans and walnuts are often considered the closest in flavor and texture to hazelnuts, though each nut has its own distinct characteristics.
Is a hazelnut the same as a walnut?
No, hazelnuts and walnuts are two different types of nuts. They have distinct flavors, textures, and appearances.
Does hazelnut taste like peanut butter?
No, hazelnuts have a unique nutty and slightly sweet flavor, distinct from the flavor of peanut butter. Peanut butter is made from peanuts and has its own distinct taste.
