Hazelnuts: Where Nutritional Value Meets Economic Potential
Hazelnut is one of the world’s most popular nuts, renowned for its exquisite taste and abundant nutritional benefits. This nutritious seed, widely used in various food and cosmetic products, plays a significant role in the dried fruit export industry. Hazelnuts are primarily cultivated in temperate and mountainous regions and come in various types, each with its unique characteristics and flavor. Large, small, round, or oval-shaped, all hazelnuts have a hard shell and a delicious kernel. Iran, Turkey, Italy, and the USA are among the largest hazelnut producers in the world.
Nutritional Benefits of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This nut also contains essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, and manganese, which contribute to heart health, skin health, and a robust immune system. Regular consumption of hazelnuts can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
Hazelnuts in the Global Economy
Hazelnuts are recognized as a valuable export product in global markets. Hazelnut-producing countries, by exporting this product to international markets, play a crucial role in meeting global demand and earning foreign exchange. The growing demand for hazelnuts in the food and cosmetic industries has spurred the growth and development of the cultivation and export industry for this product.
In addition to being consumed raw, hazelnuts are used in the production of various food products such as chocolate, Nutella, hazelnut butter, and various pastries. Hazelnut oil is also widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its high moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Diverse Uses of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are recognized not only as a valuable food source but also as a strategic product in global dried fruit trade. Sustainable development of hazelnut production and export can play a significant role in strengthening the agricultural economy and improving public health. Considering these potentials, investing in the production and export sector of hazelnuts can be profitable and impactful.
