Published on: 2026-08-22
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Young hazelnuts have appeared on the shelves of Moscow markets. The nuts in green leaves are mostly brought from Dagestan and the Krasnodar region.
Young hazelnut is a nut harvested before natural drying is completed. In southern Russia, the first batches begin to be picked from the bushes in late July to mid-August. It can be purchased at fairs for three to four weeks.
At this time, the green leafy husk of the nut, called the husk, has not yet had time to dry, and the shell remains relatively soft. The moisture in the kernel makes it juicy, tender, and slightly crunchy. Its taste features a light sweetness, creamy and faintly grassy notes. The thin skin easily peels off, and its slight astringency complements the flavor of the nut.
Gradually, the plums darken, the shell hardens, and the kernel loses moisture and becomes denser. Along with the texture, the taste changes: it becomes richer, acquiring a buttery flavor.
How to harvest
Hazelnut is a type of hazel with large fruits. The shrub needs sunlight, loose fertile soil, and timely watering. Moisture is especially important during the formation of the nuts: during prolonged drought, the kernels may not completely fill the shell. To allow light to penetrate inside the shrub, farmers remove old branches and excess root suckers.
For good wind pollination, compatible varieties are planted nearby. This helps to get a more generous harvest. The first nuts appear a few years after planting. The shrub produces a stable crop even later, and then can bear fruit for decades.
The long warm summer of Dagestan and the Krasnodar region is well suited for growing this crop. The large number of sunny days helps the nuts to ripen, and the necessary humidity in hot weather is maintained through irrigation, including drip irrigation. Thanks to these conditions, hazelnuts have become widely cultivated here: they are grown both in small farms and in large orchards.
How to choose and preserve kernels
The freshness of hazelnuts can be assessed by the husk. It should remain green or slightly yellowish, and the shell should be clean, without dark spots, mold, or holes. You can gently shake the nut: if the kernel rattles inside, it means it has already lost some moisture and begun to dry out.
Due to high humidity, young hazelnuts are not suitable for long-term storage. It is better to immediately put them in the refrigerator at home and then eat them in the near future. To preserve the nuts for a long time, they are removed from the leafy husk and dried.
What to cook with hazelnuts
Young hazelnuts can be eaten without roasting, after removing the shell. This is a nutritious snack, as the nut contains plant protein, unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Additionally, hazelnuts can be paired with honey and pickled cheeses or added to a salad with arugula, pear, fig, or soft cheese.
If crushed kernels are combined with greens, garlic, and vegetable oil, you get a thick sauce for baked vegetables, fish, or poultry.
Young hazelnuts are also added to desserts made from cottage cheese and fresh fruits, as well as to porridges and pastry fillings.
Products for Moscow fairs are brought from more than 40 regions of Russia. Before being sent to the counter, they are inspected by specialists State Veterinary Service of the City of Moscow.
Fair pavilions are located in high-traffic areas and equipped with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and video surveillance systems, as well as commercial and refrigeration equipment, making them comfortable to visit at any time of the year. Spaces are provided free of charge to fair participants. More information about cooperation can be found on the official website of the state budgetary institution“Moscow Fairs”.
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