Hazelnut vs. Acorn — What's the Difference?

Hazelnuts are the nuts of the hazel tree and are round to oval in shape, with a hard shell that needs to be cracked to reveal the edible seed inside. Acorns, the fruit of oak trees, are distinguished by their unique shape, featuring a smooth nut encased in a rough cupule. Both are types of nuts but belong to different species of trees and have different uses and cultural significances.

While hazelnuts are widely cultivated for their sweet-tasting seeds that are used in a variety of culinary applications, acorns are rarely eaten by humans in modern diets and are often associated with wildlife food. Hazelnuts are commonly found in confections, such as chocolates and pralines, or ground into a paste for spreads, whereas acorns are traditionally processed into a flour or meal after leaching out their bitter tannins.

Hazelnuts have been a commercial crop for centuries, known for their distinctive flavor and health benefits, including high levels of protein and healthy fats. Acorns, although once a staple food for indigenous peoples and still used in some traditional dishes, are more commonly recognized today as a symbol of autumn or as forage for animals such as deer and squirrels.

In terms of nutritional content, hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and B, and are a good source of minerals like magnesium and copper. Acorns, on the other hand, contain large amounts of tannins, which can be toxic in high amounts but are reduced by processing. They are also nutritious, providing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

In folklore and symbolism, the hazelnut is often associated with wisdom and inspiration, while the acorn is commonly seen as a symbol of strength and potential, reflecting the towering oak tree it can grow into. Despite both being nuts, their role in history, cuisine, and culture are distinctly different.