Hazelbrook Hazelnut Farm NZ – Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, grown, harvested and processed on our family farm in Wakefield, Tasman district, South Island – NZ.

We grow 3 main cultivars

• Whiteheart – essentially unique to New Zealand and the main variety grown in commercial orchards in New Zealand. Exceptional blanching – 100% cleanly (pellicle/skin comes away easily). Very regular kernel shape and size, good for roasting and confectionery. A sweet, mild, nutty, clean taste – described as “delicate but rich” and a firm favourite in NZ.
• Tonda Romana – an Italian variety of ancient origin, and the main variety in the hazelnut orchards of Viterbo province (north of Rome). Good taste and aroma, a rich nutty flavour, favoured by chocolate artisans.
• Barcelona – an old cultivar widely distributed in Western Europe, likely originating in Spain and the main cultivar grown in Oregon, USA. Excellent taste with a good nutty, sweet flavour.

Harvesting takes place in autumn and the crop put through a rotary sifter to remove husks, leaves and twigs. The nuts are washed and dried, then spread out on stackable drying racks in our modern processing shed. We optimise airflow and ventilation 24/7 to ensure a firm, creamy kernel inside the protective hazelnut shells. Once the moisture content stabilizes, our hazelnuts are in optimal condition for cracking, processing and packing for sale.

No, we don’t use any synthetic sprays or harsh chemicals and we do everything possible to remain 100% spray-free.

However if we notice signs of significant leaf damage (caused by pests in spring) we may consider applying a short, single application of natural organic neem oil dispensed through our fogging machine. Neem oil simply helps protect the foliage against orchard pests like aphids, mites, and scale, while still supporting beneficial insects such as bees. In our experience, a single application applied every second or third year is enough to redress the balance and continue photosynthesising efficiently – supporting strong leaf growth and a robust crop. Neem oil is a plant-based product made from the seeds of the neem tree and is safe for people, animals, and the environment as it breaks down naturally without leaving harmful residues. It fits with our sustainable approach to farming and keeps our orchard healthy without synthetic sprays.

We are not certified organic, however we are very conscientious about the natural health and sustainability of our water, soil and trees. We use only natural fertilisers and apply sustainable farm management practices all year round to keep our orchards healthy. Our facilities are MPI food business certified and we are members of the NZ Hazelnut Growers Association.

Hazelnuts are cracked to order to ensure maximum freshness. Like other nuts with high fat content, hazelnut kernels are prone to oxidation and can go rancid relatively quickly once shelled. (See storage tips further down the page)

• Natural Packaging: The shell acts as the kernel’s natural packaging, protecting it from light, heat, and air, all of which speed up spoilage. 
• Preventing Rancidity: Once their protective shell is removed, the delicate fats in the kernel are exposed to oxygen, so cracking them to order helps minimize exposure, and preserves their fresh taste and quality.
• Superior Flavour: Customers often report the remarkable taste difference of fresh NZ product, finding fresh home-grown kernels to be delicious and less “yukky or rancid” than some of the low-cost offshore offerings often found on our supermarket shelves. 

Hazelnuts are a product of nature and kernels (filberts) may occasionally be compromised, undersized or missing. These are difficult to assess ‘in-shell’ making them difficult to identify prior without cracking. We add extra nuts to each order to account for this.

Kernels have a thin, papery skin (pellicle) which comes off easily when roasted.

• The skin is completely edible and contains dietary fibre, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, which may add health benefits.
• Taste: the skin has a slightly bitter, tannic flavour which is why many recipes suggest removing it (especially for baking, praline, or chocolate work). The bitterness is mild in some varieties and stronger in others. That said, most people prefer skinned hazelnuts in sweets, nut butters, and confectionery for a smoother, sweeter flavour.

It takes approximately 2.15 kg of whole hazelnuts to yield 1 kg of hazelnut kernels. Shells are cracked to release the kernels and broken chips or pieces are removed. Kernels are weighed and packed in sealed, food-grade pouches. So while both come from the same harvest, the extra quantity and time that goes into cracking, sorting and packaging the kernels is what makes them dearer per kilogram compared to whole in-shell nuts.

Storage and Shelf Life

In-shell (whole) hazelnuts keep extremely well. When stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place (out of direct sunlight) they will remain fresh for 12  months (and often longer). Their natural shell protects the kernel from air and moisture, so they’re one of the easiest nuts to store long term. For best results, use a breathable bag such as mesh or natural fibre. Whole hazelnuts can be frozen for up to two years without affecting flavour or texture.

Hazelnut kernels (shell removed) can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 months, or frozen for a year (and often longer). Because hazelnut kernels have very little moisture and a naturally high oil content, they don’t actually freeze solid — the cold simply preserves freshness by slowing down oxidation. Note: Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to refrigerate and allow frozen nuts to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

A standard nutcracker or small hammer works well. Crack gently to avoid shattering the kernel inside.

Yes! They can be eaten raw, roasted, or blended into recipes. Light roasting enhances their flavour and aroma.

Hazelnuts are wonderfully versatile. Customers use them to make:

• Homemade nut butters

• Chocolate spreads and truffles

• Baking (cakes, biscotti, brownies, muffins)

• Salads and granolas

• Raw or roasted snacks

• Dairy-free nut milks

Hazelnuts are nutrient-dense and naturally cholesterol-free. They are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin E), and minerals like magnesium and manganese. Consuming them regularly can improve heart health, decrease cholesterol and inflammation, support healthy digestion, and help manage blood sugar levels.

No. Hazelnuts are a tree nut and can trigger serious allergic reactions in people with nut allergies. If you or someone in your household has a nut allergy, please take appropriate care and seek medical advice before consuming.

Yes — our courier partners Post Haste deliver nationwide across New Zealand including deliveries to offshore islands – Waiheke, Great Barrier, Stewart, and the Chatham Islands.  Offshore surcharges are not programmed into our standard website shipping rates.  If you live on one of these islands, please contact us for a personalised shipping quote before placing your order.

Courier companies apply surcharges and fees for rural deliveries and NZ offshore islands.  We always aim to offer fair and accurate shipping costs, but there may be times when the actual cost charged to us by Post Haste may be higher than the rate shown at checkout.

What happens if the shipping charge isn’t correct?
Our courier partners, Post Haste use address validation and may reclassify the delivery zone, which could result in extra costs and delays.  We reserve the right to adjust shipping charges after checkout and payment if the delivery address provided falls into a higher tier such as rural zone or offshore island surcharge zones. If this happens, we will contact you first to confirm the revised cost before dispatching your order.

The Post Haste online address checker tool can be accessed here for your convenience:

Yes — our courier partners Post Haste have an overnight airfreight option available to several locations. Overnight rates are more expensive and are not programmed into our website check-out options.  Please contact us with your delivery address for a quote before placing your order.

If you are local to our area, we can arrange a farm-gate pick-up or possibly a local drop-off within the Richmond/Nelson CBD footprint.  Please contact us to see what we can arrange in regard to a suitable date/time/place.

We’re a family-run orchard and want you to enjoy the natural bounty of our harvest — if something isn’t right, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

• We take great care in preparing and packing our hazelnuts. As a natural product, in-shell hazelnuts may occasionally contain a malformed or empty kernel. To ensure you good value, we include extra nuts in every order to offset this natural variation.
• Cracked kernels are processed to order and packaged in sealed, food-grade bags.
• Once delivered, correct storage is the customer’s responsibility. Please see our FAQ section above for recommended storage and shelf life. We cannot offer refunds for quality concerns caused by storage outside the recommended conditions.