Description:
Blanched Hazelnut Kernels are premium hazelnuts that have been carefully peeled to remove their skins, revealing the smooth, creamy white nut inside. This process results in a milder flavor and a more delicate texture compared to their unblanched counterparts. With their clean appearance and buttery taste, blanched hazelnuts are a favorite ingredient in high-end baking, confectionery, and culinary creations.
Uses
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Fine Baking & Pastry: Ideal for cakes, cookies, macarons, and pralines where a smooth texture and refined flavor are desired.
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Nut Pastes & Butters: Perfect for making silky hazelnut pastes used in spreads, fillings, and chocolates.
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Garnishes: Their pale color and smooth surface make them excellent for decorating desserts and plated dishes.
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Roasting & Grinding: Can be roasted to bring out deeper flavor or ground into flours for gluten-free baking.
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Savory Dishes: Add elegance and crunch to salads, sauces, or crusts without the bitterness of skins.
Benefits
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Refined Flavor: The blanching process removes the slightly bitter skin, offering a smoother, creamier nut flavor.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Their clean, pale look enhances the visual presentation of recipes.
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Versatility: Can be used whole, chopped, sliced, or ground, suiting a wide range of culinary applications.
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Nutrient Dense: Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial to health.
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Improved Digestibility: Skin removal can make nuts easier to digest for some people.
Recipe Ideas
1. Hazelnut Financiers
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Use finely ground blanched hazelnut kernels in the batter for these classic French almond cakes with a rich nutty flavor.
2. White Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
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Combine melted white chocolate with blanched hazelnut paste and cream to create smooth, elegant truffles.
3. Hazelnut-Crusted Salmon
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Coat salmon fillets with chopped blanched hazelnuts and herbs, then bake for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
4. Blanched Hazelnut Brittle
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Make a delicate brittle using toasted blanched hazelnuts caramelized with sugar and butter for a sweet, crunchy treat.
