Hazel

By Jessica Rogers March 28, 2023 20 mins read 87 Views

Welcome to Belovedsaffron.com, where we are passionate about spices, herbs, recipes and organic eating! Here you will find a wide range of spices, herbs and organic food from sustainable farms worldwide. We are here to promote flavours from various cultures – with options for home cooks and 5-star restaurant chefs! We firmly believe that cooking can be a joyous experience shared by everyone.

Whether you want to contribute a secret recipe or an article to our blog section - we'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out at [email protected] so that we can spread the yummy goodness of saffron recipes together. Join us in our mission to promote sustainable eating habits and share the joy of cooking with everyone!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Gabrielle Hatfield writes that Hazel was among the first trees to settle the land after the end the last Ice Age. "Hazel would have been the most abundant tree species for a long time."

It is no surprise that the hazel tree is deeply rooted in our ancient history and beliefs.

The hazel forests were used to make houses, fences, furniture and baskets.

Its charcoal gave the early people the thrills of gunpowder. Since prehistory, nuts have been a source of food and sustenance.

The tree's fruit (hazelnuts), were the subject of epic stories from many cultures, including those of ancient Greece and Medieval Europe. They also had magical reputations in many traditions.

Despite its famed power, Hazel is a symbol of reconciliation and peace in the language used for flowers.

For many centuries, the Hazel tree provided food, flowers, and wood for people.

Scientific Name

Corylus avellana

Family

Betulaceae

Botanical Description

The attractive tree can grow up to 6-12m in height. Its bark, which is smooth and reddish brown, peeling, and its leaves, which are roundish, downy, and toothed, is smooth and reddish-brown. Male flowers can be found in one to four pendulous catkins and female flowers in short, erect spikes with red styles. The seeds are roundish and enclosed in large, fused bracts.

Status

Deciduous. Native.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to Europe, Asia and Iran; naturalized in British Columbia, Balkans, Turkey; brought to North America.

Hazel distribution map

Parts used for food

Nuts, leaves, catkins, flowers.

Harvest Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn.

Hazel is used in food

Since the Stone Age, hazelnuts have been a staple part of humans' diets. Archaeological excavations made in Flanders (Belgium) revealed evidence that Stone Age people roasted hazelnuts for storage over winter.

Hazelnuts are an important food crop worldwide. They are grown in many countries including Turkey, Spain and Italy.

Hazelnut spreads such as Nutella, hazelnuts in pastries and desserts, and chopped hazelnuts are all familiar to you.

The tree's leaves have been a source for sustenance. In the 15th century, noteye was made from Hazel leaves. This is a spicy pork stew.

In 18th-century Scotland, people ground Hazel leaves to make flour.

At the beginning of 19th century, dried catkins from Slovakia were made into flour.

Profil nutrition

Sources claim that hazelnuts have 15% protein and a high percentage (60%) of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E and B (especially B6), zinc and iron.

Hazel is used in herbal medicine

Catkins, or flowers, were used to treat colds and flu.

The bark can be used to treat fever and the leaves for diarrhoea.

The bark is used to treat boils and cuts. Burns can also be treated with the ash from burned Hazel.

The benefits of hazel leaves are blood circulation and bile production, and they can be used to treat gall bladder and liver problems.

All parts of the plant, including bark, leaves, flowers and catkins, are considered to be astringents, wound healing, blood purifying and fever-fighting. The plant has been used sparingly in herbal medicine throughout the ages.

Other uses of hazel

Wood has many traditional uses including furniture, fencing, and wickerwork.

Hazelnut oil is used in cosmetics as a moisturizer in hand and body creams, lotions and soaps.

Safety Note

Hazelnuts are an extremely common food allergy in Europe. This is not surprising considering the large number of foods that contain hazelnuts, hazel kernels, and hazel oil.

Hazelnut allergies can develop at an early age and can become severe.

Nut allergies can be treated by avoiding nuts, hazelnuts and nut oil products.

Refer to

Cleene M. de & Lejeune M. C. (2002) Compendium of Symbolic and Ritual Plants In Europe. Ghent: Man & Culture.

Hatfield, G. (2008) Hatfield’s Herbal: The Secret History of British Plants. London: Penguin.

Lim, T. K. (2012) Edible Medical and Non-Medicinal Plants Volume 1, Fruits. Dordrecht. Springer.

L. Luczaj (2012) Wild Food Plant Uses in 21st Century Europe: The Disappearance Old Traditions and Search for New Cuisines Involving Wild Food Edibles. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae. [Online] 81 (4), 245-255.

Mabey R. and Blamey M. (1974). Food for Free. London: Collins.

Mac Coitir, N. et al. (2015) Ireland's Trees - Myths legends folklore.

Hazel was originally published on EATWEEDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

What are healing flowers?

Healing flowers are plants that promote peace and tranquillity. They help us unwind after a stressful day and make us feel more relaxed.

They also help us connect to our inner selves and reconnect with nature.

These beautiful blooms are used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

We call hundreds of varieties of flowering plants ‘healing’ because they provide such a fantastic experience.

This list includes roses, lilies, irises, daffodils, peonies, tulips, hyacinths, and many more.

But there are two species that I find particularly special. These are the Geranium and Lilium.

Geraniums are very easy to grow and come in various colors. Liliums are also known as lily-of-the-valley, which means 'lily' and 'valley.' Both of these species are popular garden flowers.

Healing flowers are often found growing near water. They are said to bring peace and calmness to those who meditate with them.

In ancient times, people would light candles in flower petals to symbolize the sun. This way, they could honor the sun without needing to go outdoors.

Some say that when you look at these flowers, you may see angels dancing.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

What are the disadvantages of using herbs?

Herbs are a great way to keep your body healthy because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, sterols, and sterolins. Some even contain cannabinoids.

But there are also lots of side effects associated with herbal remedies. For example, taking too much herb could cause liver damage or even death. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs, which means that they might affect how well the drug works.

Some herbs can interfere with blood clotting, while others may increase bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

There are also safety concerns for pregnant women and children.

The bottom line is that herbs aren't safe for everyone. If you're considering trying them out, do your homework. Look up each product's side effects and warnings and read reviews online.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

External Links

How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!