We all know how plentiful hazelnuts are here in the beautiful Willamette Valley, lucky for us! According to the Pacific Hazelnut Candy Factory, located in Aurora, the first hazelnut tree was planted in Oregon around 1857. Our climate is just right for these tasty & versatile tree nuts.
Sometime next month, you’ll be able to start harvesting your backyard trees, if you’ve got them. If you’d like to check out some bigger operations, visit the Hazelnut Hill shop in Corvallis (at milepost 95 between the towns of Corvallis & Monroe on Hwy 99 West), or observe through the windows at the Pacific Hazelnut Candy Factory (about an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Albany).
Want some recipes? The Hazelnut Council has some that… that… um… where was I? Sorry, I got distracted by the cinnamon… rolls…
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Also, when in northwestern Oregon, check out Oregon Orchards’store in Cornelius, Ore. They carry a great selection of shelled hazelnuts, flavored chocolate-covered hazelnuts, and other local products. http://www.oregonorchard.com/