British Columbia’s Hazelnut Forests Were Actually First Nations’ Forest Farms 7,000 Years Ago

The first nut I was given as a child to eat in Seattle were hazel nuts. So, every other nut was after this. I remember my parents putting these in a glass or metal dish at the time and a special nut cracker that I had to be careful to use at 2 to 4 years of age so I didn't pinch my fingers or smash them by accident with this nut cracker. I really liked the taste of Hazel nuts. However, you don't see them very much in California because they are mostly grown in the far north in Canada and Washington where it gets cold enough for them to grow.

 

begin quote from:

British Columbia’s Hazelnut Forests Were Actually First Nations’ Forest Farms 7,000 Years Ago

 

Here's more regarding Hazel Nuts:

AI Overview

Learn more

Hazelnuts are typically harvested in late August through October, but the exact time depends on the weather and your location. Here are some signs that hazelnuts are ready to harvest: 

• Nuts are falling: The nuts are ready to harvest when they start falling from the tree. 
  
  

Husks are turning brown: The papery husks of the nuts will start to turn brown. 

Nuts are easy to pull: The clusters of nuts should be easy to pull from the bush. 

Squirrels are eating: When squirrels start eating the nuts, it's time to pick. 

• 
  

If you harvest too early, the nuts may not be high quality. If you wait too long, the nuts may be eaten by animals or rot before you can harvest them. 

To make harvesting easier, you can mow the area around the trees to remove weeds and grass. This will allow you to rake the fallen nuts into piles. 

Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, are edible raw or toasted, with or without the skin.