Hortiforum

General Info – Chilean Hazelnut, Gevuina Hazelnut, Chilean Hazel, Gevuin, Neufen

A creamy white nut that resembles its relative, the Macadamia, the Chilean Hazelnut offers a similar crispness to firm coconut flesh. It is mildly sweet, though less rich or fatty than Macadamia. In terms of flavour, it diverges from its relative, being more reminiscent of a blend between Hazelnut (hence its species name Avellana) and Almond. Rich in antioxidants, the Chilean Hazelnut is high in Vitamin E and beta-carotenes and boasts a protein content higher than that of Macadamia. Like some Macadamias, when the nut is loose within its shell and can be heard rattling when shaken. While there is an outer husk to remove, similar to Macadamia, there is no hard inner shell requiring a nutcracker making it a much easier foraged nut to consume. Versatile like many other nuts, the Chilean Hazelnut can be eaten raw, boiled, toasted or roasted, depending on preference. It can also be ground into a nut butter or a nutrient-dense flour and added to countless dishes such as mueslis, cakes and salads. Although commercial cultivation largely remains limited to its native Chile, the species shows promise for broader cultivation thanks to its suitability for cool oceanic climates and its reliable productivity.
Native to the cool temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina, the Chilean Hazelnut thrives in environments that remain moist year-round. Summer temperatures in these regions are typically cool and rarely exceed 30°C, while winter temperatures often sit between 10°C and freezing. Fellow edible fruits from this region and climate include Chilean Guava, Luma and Maqui. The tree is hardy enough for most cool temperate regions of Australia, with a noted cold tolerance down to -10°C. Ideal locations include Tasmania and elevated areas of temperate New South Wales and Victoria. While it handles cold climates well, it does not perform well in exposed positions, requiring a sheltered site with filtered sunlight or partial shade being preferable, and protection from strong winds being very important. There is some conflicting information about soil requirements. Some sources suggest it tolerates anything from swampy to loamy soils, while others indicate a preference for well-drained, lime-free loam. Given its native habitat of high rainfall and cool temperatures, it likely has limited drought tolerance. Typically grown from seed, the Chilean Hazelnut is one of the fastest to reach fruiting maturity, often beginning to produce nuts in as little as five years. Though the flowers are bisexual (hermaphroditic), cross-pollination is required for reliable fruit set.
A moderately sized tree, the Chilean Hazelnut usually grows to 10–12 metres in height with a lush, pyramidal form, making it one of the most attractive evergreen trees for cool, oceanic climates. It has dense foliage with a leafy crown, featuring glossy green, alternate leaves with coarsely toothed edges. The tree produces long, attractive panicles of white flowers, similar to those of its relatives, the Macadamia and ornamental Grevillea. These nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees, adding additional value to the garden or orchard.

Plant Profile/Properties