Hazel Merveille de Bollwiller - Corylus maxima

The Halls Giant Hazelnut, also known as Merveille de Bollwiller, is a particularly vigorous and hardy variety that produces at a young age. It produces large round hazelnuts, ending in a point. Their shell is quite tender. The flesh of the almond is white, fragrant, sweet, and delicious when eaten fresh. Harvest takes place in late September and October. Late and hardy, this variety is particularly suitable for cold regions. It is not self-fertile, so be sure to plant another variety nearby.

Hazelnut, in Latin Corylus maxima, belongs to the Betulaceae family, just like birch. It is native to southeastern Europe and the Caucasus. It is a medium-sized fruit tree, monoecious, bearing separate male and female inflorescences on the same individual. This purple hazelnut prefers light and neutral soil, quite fertile, not too dry. Locations that are too hot and dry should be avoided. The Halls Giant Hazelnut is an old German variety, discovered by C. G. Bultner in Halle.

The hazelnut tree produces a trunk composed of a clump 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 are toothed with a pointed tip. The green foliage is deciduous and falls in autumn. Monoecious, the hazelnut tree produces male flowers, yellow aments of 6cm (2in), and female flowers, very condensed, upright spikes.
The hazelnuts are generally grouped in small clusters of two or three fruits. Just before the fruit ripens, the shell appears. It hardens and changes colour, while the almond concentrates sugars, oil, and minerals. This ripening occurs in autumn, and harvesting takes place at the end of September and in October, when the hazelnuts easily detach from the branches.

Hazelnuts are commonly consumed as a dried fruit. They are also used in pastries and confectionery: grated into powder, crushed, or cut into flakes. They can also be pressed for oil, although it is prone to rancidity. This fruit is rich in omega-9, vitamin E, and vitamin B.