There are products that are part of the soul of a territory, that manage to change the taste, and even the orography of the area. This is the case of the Brunyola hazelnut. A nut with a long tradition and that many have surely tasted without knowing it.

Background

Although it is true that the hazelnut tree has always been part of the Mediterranean landscape, in the mid-19th century there was a downturn in agricultural production in the region of La Selva. The phylloxera plague was extremely cruel to the vines in the territory. This caused a change of course, making the hazelnut tree gain prominence.

Initially, in the highlands of Sant Climent and the coast of Sant Martí Sacalm different types of hazelnuts were cultivated: such as negreta, del queixal, gironella or morella among others. But over the years, negreta became the main cultivated variety. Its precious flavor and the ease it demonstrated when peeled, once roasted, were the most important reasons why today we know it as Brunyola hazelnut.

The hazelnut today

Currently the main hazelnut producing epicenter is Brunyola , but they are also produced in Cellera de Ter , Sant Martí Sapresa and Amer . More than 350 producers in the area are dedicated to hazelnut production.

The majority variant is the bold one, 70% of which is sold to major candy brands. In fact, one of the other strong points of Selva’s gastronomy is the sweets and cakes, many of them with this dried fruit as the main ingredient.

While it is true that a large part of Selva’s hazelnuts are sold outside the region, more and more work is being done to create their own brand and sell locally.

The Hazelnut Fair of La Selva

A good time to decide to visit Brunyola, and discover why the black hazelnut is so prized, is at the beginning of October. Those days are hazelnut season and the La Selva Hazelnut Fair is held.

Thousands of people visit and enjoy traditional markets spiced up with habanera singing or sardana dancing. You can also try special recipes that include hazelnuts in the area’s restaurants.

The hazelnut, a healthy nut

Hazelnuts are not only known for their unmistakable taste, they are also a source of health. They have a high energy value (645 Kcal per 100 grams), which is achieved thanks to their low water content and high amount of unsaturated fats and phytosterols.

Hazelnuts are good for cardiovascular health, as they help regulate cholesterol and triglycerides. They also contain vitamins such as E, B1 or B3, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus or potassium.

Whether toasted, in cakes and sweets or as an ingredient in other dishes, the hazelnut from La Selva is a nut that has long captivated for its properties and unmistakable taste.