Hazelnut (Coudrier): benefits, uses and botany of this plant
Hazelnut (coudrier), the essentials in 3 points:
-a formula naturally rich in active ingredients
-restores the vascular wall and helps reduce blood cholesterol levels
-reduces inflammation of blood vessels
With its superb umbrella shape, the hazelnut is a well-known ornamental shrub for gardeners. Graceful and bushy, it enhances the green spaces of any property. In addition to its decorative character, hazelnut contains active principles that confer numerous benefits.
All you need to know about hazelnuts
The hazelnut or coudrier is a shrub with basal, straight, flexible stems, belonging to the Betulaceae family. Growing up to 4 m tall, it has several “main” branches that thicken and branch out enormously as they spread. It is this particular characteristic that gives the hazelnut its parasol-like silhouette. Its bark is smooth, thin and brown, before turning grayish. To provide beautiful shade, the coudrier is clothed in large green leaves, 5 to 12 cm in diameter. They are alternate, cordate, hairy, finely toothed and almost round in shape. The hazel blossoms from January to March. The shrub is adorned with magnificent yellow or orange catkins measuring around 10 cm. These male flowers appear along the stems of the previous year. Female flowers are much smaller. Planted at the end of branches, they are a pretty greenish color with bright red accents. The fruits of the coudrier are hazelnuts, wrapped in foliaceous bracts. They are round or more elongated, depending on the variety.
About the location and cultivation of the coudrier tree
Hazelnut is a native shrub species found throughout Asia and Europe. In fact, it is widely distributed in France, except in Corsica and the Mediterranean region. Preferring shady areas, the shrub is mainly found in clearings and forest edges. Moreover, the coudrier is rather tolerant of the soil in which it is grown. It thrives in slightly acidic to basic, dry to cool soils. However, it is best grown in rich, loamy soil. Hazel is generally transplanted between November and March. This is done only from bare-root shrubs. The new shrub only needs regular watering from the year after transplanting. For an attractive parasol, let the shrub grow in its natural form, singly or in pairs, in a well-cleared corner of the garden.
Learn more about the many uses of hazelnut elements
In the field of phytotherapy, the leaves of the coudrier tree are used exclusively. These have the advantage of a formula naturally rich in active ingredients. It is these compounds that act synergistically to reduce blood vessel inflammation, for example. They also restore the vascular wall and help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Today, coudrier leaf extracts are available in a variety of galenic forms. They are available in capsules, tablets and herbal tea powders. To take full advantage of the benefits of these extracts, it is always advisable to follow the correct dosage. We also encourage you to respect the duration of the cure. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle also help optimize your daily health and well-being. In addition to the leaves, hazelnut fruits are widely used in cooking. Nourishing, they contain active elements such as omega 3, fiber, as well as vitamins E and B. Hazelnuts also contain significant quantities of magnesium, iron and phosphorus. This rich composition is the reason for intensive cultivation of the shrub in countries such as Spain and Turkey. Hazelnuts can be eaten in a variety of ways. You can eat them raw, dried or fresh. Crushed, hazelnuts are a wonderful accompaniment to savoury dishes, giving them a crunchy, fruity flavour. An essential ingredient for a successful praline, hazelnuts can be easily incorporated into recipes for cookies, cakes and other desserts. They also have the advantage of being able to be combined with other pastry ingredients, such as vanilla or chocolate. You can also combine them with fruits such as chestnuts, apricots or pears. Finally, combining hazelnut oil with balsamic vinegar makes an excellent vinaigrette.