With its smooth shell and a scrumptious, grape-sized kernel encased in a fuzzy husk, the nut commonly known as filbert is a culinary delight. Although primarily obtained from a European tree species, commercially available filberts are also known as hazelnuts. Interestingly, there exist several native American species of this delectable nut as well.
The hazel tree is a common tree throughout Europe, but the finest hazelnuts are typically found in southern Europe, especially in Spain. There are cultivated varieties of hazelnuts, including the filbert. Hazelnuts are often used in cooking to add flavor and decorate desserts, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.