Common Hazel Fertile de Coutard - Corylus avellana

Corylus avellana Fertile de Coutard is a vigorous variety that is quite hardy and productive. It fruits quickly, bearing rounded hazelnuts with ivory-white flesh that is firm and quite fragrant. It is early but susceptible to frost. Ideally, plant it facing north to delay flowering.

The hazelnut is said to be one of the few species from the secondary era to have survived to this day. Formerly called "Coudrier," this bushy shrub can reach a height of 5m (16ft), and was associated with white magic. It is an old variety of Spanish origin.

It produces a trunk composed of a tuft of about ten branches that can reach up to 5m (16ft) in height. Its brown bark can peel off in thin strips. Its heart-shaped leaves have serrated edges and a pointed tip. The foliage is deciduous. It is monoecious, producing male flowers in the form of yellow catkins 6cm (2in) long, and condensed female flowers with upright spikes. Choose Ronde du Piémont, Negret, and Segorbe as pollinators.

Hazelnuts are generally grouped in small clusters of two or three fruits. The shell appears just before the fruit ripens. It will harden and darken while the nut concentrates sugars, oil, and minerals. Harvesting takes place at the end of August and in September, when the hazelnuts easily detach from the branches.

Hazelnuts are consumed as a dried fruit. They are also used in pastry and confectionery, grated into powder, crushed, or cut into shavings. An oil is also extracted from them, although it is prone to going off. This fruit is rich in omega 9, vitamin E, and vitamin B.