LANGHE HAZELNUT

Our Work

noccioladellelanghe.it

Cultivating

We grow the Tonda Gentile Trilobata "of the Langhe" hazelnut variety in the areas of Diano d'Alba, Alba, Albaretto della Torre and Serralunga.
All of the hazelnut groves are grown in free draining soils that do not allow stagnant water to pool around the plant roots therefore reducing harm to the health of the plants.
Over time we have tried to plant our trees in advantageous microclimates, partly shady and not too exposed to harsh sunlight, which permit good plant development.
If the tree has these optimal conditions it is strong and well developed and does not require any pesticides.

Harvesting

When the Hazelnuts are completely ripe in mid-August, the fruit then falls to the ground on its own without it being necessary to shake the plant. The ground around the tree is previously cleared, freeing it from any weeds or other debris.
The harvest, which was historically done manually, is now completely mechanized with a suction system. Using mechanical cleaners the nuts are then cleaned, removing any small stones, twigs or leaves.

Drying

A humidity of 6% is needed for the correct preservation of the hazelnut. To reach this level we place the nuts out to dry in our hot August sun for a few days.
This humidity level is essential so the nuts can be stored for up to two years in dry and well ventilated rooms.

Shelling

Periodically we take out the quantity of hazelnuts necessary for our production.
First the nuts are sorted and divided up according to their size. Next, they are put into the mill and shelled. Special sieves separate the shell from the fruit which then automatically passes into special containers.

Roasting

We roast our hazelnuts by using a moderate, carefully controlled temperature for a longer tan usual period. This lighter and less invasive method retains the many organoleptic properties that the hazelnut has when it’s raw, so its wonderful richness isn’t lost and it keeps a delicate but intense flavour.

Pressing

Continuing on through our laboratory we come to the Pressing room where the toasted hazelnuts are pressed to obtain the famous HAZELNUT OIL. Its tasty, delicate and notable antioxidant qualities, due to the high presence of Vitamin E, are why it has become so popular.
Hazelnut oil also has potential anti-cholesterol properties due to its percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids which account for more than 70%.

Our Pestos and Creams

Using a ball mill, the toasted hazelnuts are crushed and reduced to a cream to which other natural ingredients are added.
This is a slow process that lasts for more than five hours at a controlled temperature, preventing any alterations or oxidation of the product. As a result, very simply, six types of hazelnut cream and six types of hazelnut pesto are created.

The Langa Pastry shop

In the Pastry Shop we produce baked goods using our hazelnuts as the star ingredient which, in addition to having numerous nutritional qualities, has the advantage of being gluten-free. Utilizing a special refiner with stone rollers, the hazelnut is reduced into granules and flour and used for delicious pastries, cakes and other produce made from the Langhe recipes of long ago.

Natural Cosmetics

Hazelnut oil has a hydrating, astringent, protective, emollient and nourishing effect on the skin thanks to the presence of antioxidants, omega 6/9 acids, flavonoids and vitamins from groups B and E.
Beneficial in massage aimed at reactivating microcirculation and strengthening capillaries, it has a hydrating and nourishing effect on dry skin and on the delicate skin of children. It has an excellent astringent effect on skin that has lost its elasticity, is flaccid or aged and can help to combat stretch marks, cellulite and fissures.
Outstanding protective and emollient results have been seen in sun protection and sunburn treatment as well. It is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving little sign of greasiness.
Our cosmetic cream is prepared using 100% natural ingredients.

Hazelnut Oil for Hair Care

Hazelnut oil also has great benefits for producing a thick and shiny head of hair. After washing your hair, spray with hazelnut oil, massage and allow to rest for about 15 minutes. Wash again with shampoo and then rinse.

Bomboniere (little gifts)

As excellent little gifts for parties, weddings or celebrations, we have hazelnut creams, small bags of toasted or caramelized hazelnuts, and white or black chocolate Pralines which will all help to make your event memorable. They are all fully customizable.

Gift ideas and our Langhe hampers

For Christmas, and other important occasions, if you’d like a special, out of the ordinary gift we offer three types of gift baskets. The hampers are made to measure and sent directly to the recipient’s address with your personalized greeting card.
A wonderful surprise for your family and friends.

Our Store

Come and visit our store, which is open from Monday to Friday, in Diano d'Alba at n.7 Via San Sebastiano, right next to the company laboratories.