Transformation
Terra delle Nocciole strives to preserve the quality of its initial product by seeking the best methods and machinery.
Drying
The first phase immediately after harvesting is drying.
Terra delle Nocciole exclusively employs a natural method, sun exposure. We firmly believe that natural and traditional methods, although slower and more labor-intensive, are the best. Therefore, after harvesting, the hazelnuts are cleaned to remove most foreign bodies (residual leaves, twigs, etc.) and left to dry in the sun for 2-3 days. Once the ideal level of dryness is achieved, they are cleaned and sifted, ready to be shelled.
Shelling
Hazelnuts come in various sizes, so they need to be sorted by size to shell them without damaging the inner fruit. After sizing, they are shelled and then sorted again. The second sizing, which occurs after shelling, is crucial for the subsequent roasting phase. It's essential that nuts with the same size are loaded into the roaster to ensure even toasting and avoid burning.
Sorting of Shelled and Sized Nuts
After sizing, the shelled product is carefully and exclusively hand-sorted to remove shell residues, broken nuts, and unsuitable ones (discolored, shriveled). Roasting The product is roasted using infrared rays, bringing it to a temperature of 180°C for a variable time depending on the size (30-45 minutes). Throughout the roasting cycle, the product is kept in motion using rotating fans to evenly expose all nuts to the roasting lamps.
Cooling
After roasting, the product is cooled to room temperature. The cooling process is achieved through forced air circulation through the product, keeping it in motion. This phase is crucial as it must halt the cooking process by cooling the precious oil contained in the hazelnuts, preventing prolonged roasting.
Sorting of Roasted Nuts
The roasted product is once again hand-sorted to eliminate any unsuitable product that may only become visible after roasting. There is a percentage of product that appears healthy before roasting but later takes on a color that makes it visible and allows it to be discarded. This is a phase that not everyone carries out, but in our opinion, it is essential for achieving superior quality, even if it affects the processing time.