So, the race is on, hazelnuts are popping out all over the place but we are not the only ones with our eyes on them. Squirrels are poised and ready to pounce on these beauties too. Boggle Lane people love to forage but we also like to make sure we leave enough for our furry and feathered friends and we are careful not to take too much or damage the plants we harvest from. This time of the year, wild hazelnuts are fresh and green. When the papery outer covering starts pulling back from the nut, they’re edible. You can pick and store in a warm, dry place keeping them in their shells. Once they’re ripe you can roast them in the oven and make so many delicious things including hazelnut butter, cakes, cookies, lovely crusts for red meats - especially lamb or crush them and sprinkle on salads… oh, now I’ve gone and made myself hungry again! Good for you! Hazelnuts are good for your heart as they are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are an excellent source of vitamins E and B, and help maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. They also contain potassium, calcium and magnesium which can help regulate healthy blood pressure, don’t eat too many though they full of calories! So it’s no wonder squirrels are so agile, fit and healthy!
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