Hazelnuts: Hunterdon

Overview

Variety: Hunterdon
Principal Investigator(s): Thomas Molnar, Shawn Mehlenbacher, John Capik

High yielding tree with mostly round, medium to large size kernels although about 25% are slightly oblong
Its kernels blanch exceptionally well, making it suitable for a variety of confectionary and baked good applications as well as for direct eating especially when roasted
Its kernels are noted for their outstanding, sweet flavor despite their shape not being as consistent as the other Rutgers cultivars
Vigorous, upright tree with a slightly spreading growth habit
Trees at 15 years can reach over 20 feet tall
Has a high level of tolerance to EFB
No fungicide sprays are expected to be needed for production although regular scouting for cankers and removal of infected branches, if ever present, are recommended
'Hunterdon' nuts have attractive, shiny, medium-brown colored shells
'Hunterdon' nuts mature very early compared to most hazelnuts, starting to drop free from the husk the last week of August into the 1st week in September
Regarding pollination, 'Hunterdon' has S-alleles 1 and 3 with S3 expressed in the pollen, and blooms in early to mid-season in New Jersey

For Growers

Growers may find 'Hunterdon' is the first, concentrated target of rodents and other nut-loving critters in a mixed hazelnut orchard as it becomes palatable weeks before many other cultivars. However, rodents need to be controlled regardless of nut drop timing and being able to harvest weeks earlier than other cultivars provides an early jump on the season. We suggest growing 'Hunterdon' in dedicated rows or blocks to facilitate early harvest. These rows/blocks can also be placed toward the inner parts of the orchard, away from forested edges and other rodent habitats.

Contact: Christine Chow

Email: compliance@research.rutgers.edu