Hazelnuts are the edible seeds of hazel trees, prized for their sweet, buttery, slightly earthy flavor and crisp texture, which becomes richer and more aromatic when toasted. They are used whole, chopped, or ground in international cooking, from Italian pastries and chocolate spreads to Turkish sweets, and also add crunch to salads and savory dishes. Cultivated since ancient times, hazelnuts have long been an important ingredient in cuisines around the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.