\Oregon grows about 99% of the hazelnuts produced in the United States, with most of the crop grown in the fertile Willamette Valley. Oregon’s mild, wet winters and warm summers create ideal conditions for hazelnut trees to thrive.
Hazelnuts are harvested in September and October. Ripe nuts fall on the orchard floor. Farmers then drive a sweeper through the orchard. It sweeps the nuts into rows between the trees. After the nuts are swept, a harvester drives down the rows and picks up the nuts. Then the hazelnuts are taken to a truck, to a processor. They may be dried, cleaned, shelled, roasted, and more.
As you explore this month’s Harvest of the Month materials, students will discover where hazelnuts are grown, how they are harvested, and why Oregon is such a special place for growing them. You’ll also get a glimpse into the science behind Oregon’s hazelnut industry, including how researchers use plant breeding and genetics to develop new varieties with important traits like disease resistance and high-quality nuts.
This page will give you more background, history, and science behind the Oregon Hazelnut. Use the information to inform your own lessons or encourage students to do some investigating.
Click here to explore: Oregon Hazelnuts!
Check out this previous trip to Vandyke Farms in Yamhill, Oregon!
Watch it now: Oregon Hazelnuts at Vandyke Farms!
Oregon Commodity Granola
This lesson explores various Oregon commodities, including hazelnuts, and could be an excellent addition to this months taste to teach lesson!
Click here to explore: Lesson Plan
