Oregon’s State Nut
The filbert, also known as the hazelnut, is Oregon's official state nut. Filbert trees bloom and pollinate in the middle of the winter and can produce nuts for several hundred years.

Storage
Store unshelled filberts in a cool, dry place, such as a back porch or garage. If they are kept dry they will last four to five months. If kept both cool and dry they may last up to one year. Dry roasted nuts are best kept in the refrigerator, and can be used for up to six months. They can be frozen for up to two years. Adding coatings and seasonings seal the nut, further extending its shelf life.

Roasting nuts at home
Many people purchase raw nuts to roast at home as holiday tradition or for party festivities. It's easy to do. Simply place nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake at 250° for approximately 30 minutes. Adjust roasting time to personal taste. The skins can be removed (if desired) by rolling the warm nuts between two layers of towels.

Filbert Facts
It turns out that the tiny hazelnut is a true hero in preventing heart disease as well as many cancers. Filberts are also a recognized "best food" for the popular low carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets.

Hazelnuts have NO cholesterol, even though 80 percent of the filbert's calories come from fat. This fat is a monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat, which transports essential fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants D, E, and K throughout the body. These fats are vital for healthy skin, hair and growth. They help control blood pressure and prevent blood clotting, the major cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Hazelnuts are a natural source of the phytoestrogens, flavanoids, and isoflavones. Their high folate levels help prevent birth defects.

One ounce of hazelnuts -- a small handful-- contains 180 calories, 4 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrate and 20 percent of the RDA of vitamins.

RECIPE

Recipes and filbert facts provided by Barb Foulke
of Freddy Guy’s Hazelnuts

Eating Well magazine is looking for America’s Favorite Farmers Market. Click on this link to let them know that Portland Farmers Market is Number 1. Eating Well - Market Survey. While you are visiting their site, check out their featured recipe: Squash & Leek Lasagna. It features ingredients that are fresh, seasonal and available at your favorite farmer’s market, Portland Farmers Market, of course!

Start a new tradition this year and purchase your Christmas tree, door swag and wreath at Portland Farmers Market. Starting November 25th, many of your favorite summertime vendors will trade in tomatoes, corn and sunflowers and replace them with a variety of wreaths, garland, holly sprigs and live and cut fir trees. The selection of holiday greenery will grow each Saturday through the final market of the season on December 16th, and the market's Veggie Valet service will be available for convenient curbside loading.

At French Prairie Perennials’ booth you’ll find fresh cut Nobel and Douglas firs, ranging in size from five to seven-feet. French Prairie Perennial’s nurseryman Rick Naylor will also bring live trees - potted Christmas trees - from his 10-acre farm. These can be replanted in your yard for enjoyment for years to come. Fragrant and gorgeous greens can also be found at Vicki’s at Sun Gold Farm, Dragonfly, Salmon Creek Farm, Rainyway, Rick Steffen Farm, Loibl Farm and Stephen’s Farm.

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