Hazelnuts: A small natural product with warmth and character
The hazelnut is the fruit of the hazel, a robust shrub or small tree that has been a familiar sight in the European landscape for centuries. The nuts typically grow in small clusters on the branches. As they ripen, their soft, green husk slowly changes color, and within it, the recognizable hard, woody shell forms. No two hazelnuts are exactly alike. The slight color nuances, fine lines, and small imperfections give each nut its unique appearance.
From Woodland Edge to Orchard
Hazels grow naturally across much of Europe, in West Asia, and in parts of North Africa. You'll find them in forests, hedgerows, and hedges, as well as in specially planted orchards. A significant portion of commercial hazelnut cultivation is located around the Turkish Black Sea coast. Italy also has a long tradition of hazelnut cultivation, including in Piedmont, Campania, and Lazio. Additionally, hazelnuts are grown in countries such as Spain, France, and the United States.
The precise origin may vary depending on the harvest and supplier. What connects the different growing regions is the rhythm of the seasons. The hazel flowers early in the year with striking yellow catkins. After pollination by the wind, the small female flowers develop into sturdy fruits throughout spring and summer.
Patiently Waiting for Nature to Release Them
Hazelnuts ripen at the end of summer and in autumn. When fully developed, they naturally detach and fall to the ground. In small-scale orchards, they can then be collected by hand or with rakes. In larger orchards, the fallen nuts are often swept together and picked up by machine.
Because not all nuts fall at the same time, an orchard is usually walked through several times during the harvest period. After collection, the nuts are cleaned and carefully dried. Proper drying helps to keep the natural shell beautiful and sturdy.
The Tree of Knowledge
In the past, special properties were attributed to the hazel tree. In Irish tradition, it was known as the 'Tree of Knowledge,' and hazelnuts were seen as a symbol of wisdom. Furthermore, divining rods were made from forked hazel branches, with which people believed they could find underground water sources.
It's a beautiful story for a material that at first glance seems so simple. A small nut from the woodland edge, shaped by wind, rain, and time, collected and used for centuries. In our creations, the hazelnut does not get a new shape, but rather a new place. Its natural appearance remains fully recognizable and becomes part of a handmade whole that brings warmth, tranquility, and a touch of autumn into the home.
Why We Love Using Hazelnuts in Our Decorations
For our decorations, we use the hazelnut in its recognizable, unshelled form. It is precisely the shell that makes this material special. The warm tones range from soft beige and golden brown to deep chestnut brown. Up close, fine veins, dark specks, and subtle color differences are visible.
Due to their compact, round shape, hazelnuts can be arranged closely together. This creates a rich surface with a calm rhythm and much natural depth. At the same time, the small differences between the nuts ensure that the overall look never feels rigid or artificial.
Hazelnuts combine beautifully with moss, dried seed pods, wood, tendrils, and other natural materials. In a wreath or other creation, they bring warmth and texture without being overly prominent. They therefore fit well in both a rustic interior and a calm, modern or more classic environment.
The hard shell also makes well-dried hazelnuts suitable for decorations that are intended to remain beautiful for a long time. As with any natural material, color, shape, and size may vary slightly. This is precisely where their character lies.