The deciduous filbert shrubs flowers in early spring. By late winter it produces the wind pollinated catkins. The male catkin or pollen is observed to be pale yellow in color, while the female pollen is bright red.
In order to make it possible for the tree to bear fruit, it is necessary to plant two or more filbert trees next to each other. The winter winds bring about the cross pollination of the flowers of the filbert tree.
Here are some factors for you to keep in mind recommended for the filbert tree care.
- A pH level of 6 to 7 is ideal for the soil used for the plantation of the filbert tree. Make sure that the soil is well drained.
- Water is highly essential for the growth of the filbert tree.
- These deep rooted and shade tolerant trees require full sun to yield filbert nuts.
Filbert Hybrids
Hybridized filberts are a combination of the disease resistance indigenous hazelnuts and the large and supreme quality European hazels. The filbert blight resiatant, Santium hybrid is one of the first hybrids of the University of Oregon.
Filberts Production
Estimated reports have shown Turkey to be the largest producer of filbert nuts. Turkey’s contribution is almost 75% in the overall hazelnut production in the world.
In US, however the two states of Oregon and Washington produce filberts in commercial quantities. Oregon filbert growers are home to the Willamette Valley. However the European filbert hazelnut is by far the most expensive and valuable of all the varieties throughout the world.
In US, however the two states of Oregon and Washington produce filberts in commercial quantities. Oregon filbert growers are home to the Willamette Valley. However the European filbert hazelnut is by far the most expensive and valuable of all the varieties throughout the world.
Mid autumn is generally selected as the most appropriate period to harvest filbert nuts. You will find that by late autumn the filbert tree begins to shed its leaves and nuts.
The process of commercial harvesting cannot be completed without a sweeper, nut cart, harvester and the forklift. All these equipments perform important functions in commercial harvesting.
The function of the sweeper is to move and arrange the nuts in the centre of a row. Twigs, leaves and any sort of junk are separated from the nuts by the harvester. The nuts that are selected by the harvester are held by the nut cart before the nuts are stacked into the carryalls by the forklift. Once the nuts get collected in the totes, they are shipped to the nut dryer or processor.
It is very important for the equipment operators to wear some sort of breathing protection as a precaution against the dusty orchards.
Filbert Nut Health Benefits
Filbert nuts comprise a rich diet and are vital for our well being and health.
- Filbert nuts containing oleic and linoleic acid, help to bring down bad cholesterol or LDL and increase good cholesterol or HDL. These monosaturated and essential fatty acids are extremely good for health. Research has shown that monosaturated fatty acids also help to keep strokes and coronary artery diseases at bay.
- Filbert nuts are packed with dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins that give strength to our body to combat against various cancers and diseases.
- These nuts are rich in vitamin E. This particular vitamin protects the skin from those harmful oxygen free radicals and acts as a strong lipid soluble antioxidant.
- Expectant mothers are suggested to stick to a healthy diet consisting of filbert nuts. Filbert nuts are a great source of folate that is a rarity among other nut nutrients. This vitamin is essential in the prevention of neural tube defects inside the fetus. Folate also combats nucleic acid synthesis and megaloblastic anemia
- The gluten free filbert nuts end up being a safe option for gluten sensitive people suffering from celiac disease and wheat allergies. Now everyone can enjoy the mouth watering gluten free food recipes.
- Filberts nuts are full of B- complex vitamins like niacin, panthonenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamin.
- Filbert nuts comprise of various minerals that are vital for good health. These minerals include manganese, selenium copper, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium.