Hazelnut vs. Chestnut — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
Hazelnuts are the edible nuts of the hazel tree, often used in confections and oils. Chestnuts are larger, starchy nuts from the chestnut tree, commonly roasted or used in cooking. Both are tree nuts but differ in flavor, texture, and culinary uses.
Difference Between Hazelnut and Chestnut
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hazelnuts come from the hazel tree and are generally small, round, and have a sweet, nutty flavor. Chestnuts, on the other hand, are produced by the chestnut tree and are larger, with a unique, slightly sweet, and starchy flavor.
Hazelnuts are often used in confectionery products, spreads like Nutella, and for making hazelnut oil. Chestnuts are typically roasted and can also be used in stuffings, casseroles, or turned into chestnut flour.
In terms of nutritional profile, hazelnuts are richer in fats and protein. Chestnuts are unique among nuts for their high starch content and lower fat levels, which gives them their distinctive texture.
Hazelnuts are often sold whole, shelled, or ground, and are a common ingredient in baked goods. Chestnuts are usually sold fresh in their shells, canned, or as a puree and are most popular during the holiday season for roasting.
Hazelnuts are commonly found in European cuisines and are a staple in Mediterranean diets. Chestnuts are more universally consumed and are especially popular in Asian cuisines where they are used in both sweet and savory dishes.
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Comparison Chart
Source Tree
Hazel tree
Chestnut tree
Common Uses
Confectionery, oils
Roasting, casseroles
Flavor
Sweet, nutty
Slightly sweet, starchy
Nutritional Content
Higher in fats and protein
Higher in starch, lower in fat
Seasonal Availability
Year-round
Most popular during holidays
Compare with Definitions
Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are small, round, and have a sweet, nutty flavor.
She tossed some hazelnuts into her morning oatmeal.
Chestnut
Chestnuts are the edible nuts of the chestnut tree.
We roasted chestnuts over an open fire.
Hazelnut
Hazelnut is the edible nut of the hazel tree.
The hazelnut is often used in making praline.
Chestnut
Chestnuts are usually sold fresh, canned, or as a puree.
I bought a can of chestnut puree for my pie recipe.
Hazelnut
Hazelnuts can be used to make cooking oils.
I used hazelnut oil to make the salad dressing.
Chestnut
Chestnuts can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
I love chestnut puree in my holiday desserts.
Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are a staple in European and Mediterranean cuisines.
Hazelnuts are often used in Italian desserts.
Chestnut
Chestnuts are larger, starchy nuts with a unique flavor.
Chestnuts are a key ingredient in my grandmother's stuffing recipe.
Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are commonly used in baked goods and confectionery.
Hazelnut coffee is my favorite morning beverage.
Chestnut
Chestnuts are popular across various cuisines, including Asian.
The Chinese dish used chestnuts for added texture.
Hazelnut
The hazelnut is the fruit of the hazel and therefore includes any of the nuts deriving from species of the genus Corylus, especially the nuts of the species Corylus avellana. They are also known as cobnuts or filberts according to species.
Chestnut
The chestnuts are a group of eight or nine species of deciduous trees and shrubs in the genus Castanea, in the beech family Fagaceae. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Hazelnut
The edible nut of a hazel, having a hard smooth brown shell. Also called filbert.
Chestnut
A glossy hard brown edible nut which develops within a bristly case and which may be roasted and eaten.
Hazelnut
See hazel.
Chestnut
The large European tree that produces the edible chestnut, with serrated leaves and heavy timber.
Hazelnut
The fruit of the hazel tree.
Chestnut
A small horny patch on the inside of each of a horse's legs.
Hazelnut
The nut of the hazel.
Chestnut
Any of several deciduous trees of the genus Castanea native to northern temperate regions, having alternate simple toothed leaves, and nuts that are enclosed in a prickly husk.
Hazelnut
Any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Corylus bearing edible nuts enclosed in a leafy husk
Chestnut
The often edible nut of any of these trees.
Hazelnut
Nut of any of several trees of the genus Corylus
Chestnut
The wood of any of these trees.
Chestnut
Any of several other plants, such as the horse chestnut.
Chestnut
A moderate to deep reddish brown.
Chestnut
A reddish-brown horse.
Chestnut
A small hard callus on the inner surface of a horse's foreleg.
Chestnut
An old, frequently repeated joke, story, or song.
Chestnut
Of a moderate to deep reddish brown.
Chestnut
A tree or shrub of the genus Castanea.
Chestnut
A nut of this tree or shrub.
Chestnut
(uncountable) A dark, reddish-brown colour, as seen on the fruit of the chestnut tree.
Chestnut
A reddish-brown horse.
Chestnut
(uncountable) The wood of a chestnut tree.
Chestnut
(figurative) An old joke; a worn-out meme, phrase, ploy, etc. so often repeated as to have grown tiresome or ineffective (often in the phrase "old chestnut").
Chestnut
A round or oval horny plate found on the inner side of the leg of a horse or other animal, similar to a birthmark on a human.
Night eye
Chestnut
(UK) The horse-chestnut.
Chestnut
Of a deep reddish-brown colour, like that of a chestnut.
Chestnut
The edible nut of a forest tree (Castanea vesce) of Europe and America. Commonly two or more of the nuts grow in a prickly bur.
Chestnut
The tree itself, or its light, coarse-grained timber, used for ornamental work, furniture, etc.
Chestnut
A bright brown color, like that of the nut.
Chestnut
The horse chestnut (often so used in England).
Chestnut
One of the round, or oval, horny plates on the inner sides of the legs of the horse, and allied animals.
Chestnut
An old joke or story.
Chestnut
Of or pertaining of a chestnut; of a reddish brown color; as, chestnut curls.
Chestnut
Wood of any of various chestnut trees of the genus Castanea
Chestnut
Any of several attractive deciduous trees yellow-brown in autumn; yield a hard wood and edible nuts in a prickly bur
Chestnut
Edible nut of any of various chestnut trees of the genus Castanea
Chestnut
A small horny callus on the inner surface of a horse's leg
Chestnut
A dark golden-brown or reddish-brown horse
Chestnut
Used of hair; of a golden brown to reddish brown color;
A chestnut horse
Chestnut hair
Common Curiosities
Are Hazelnuts and Chestnuts the same?
No, they come from different trees and have distinct flavors and uses.
Can Hazelnuts be used to make oil?
Yes, hazelnut oil is common and used in cooking and dressings.
Can Chestnuts be eaten raw?
It's not recommended; they are usually roasted or cooked.
Are Chestnuts popular in any particular season?
They are most popular during the holiday season.
Are both nuts used in desserts?
Yes, but hazelnuts are more common in confections, while chestnuts are often used in holiday treats.
Can I use Hazelnuts in place of Chestnuts in recipes?
Not generally, as their texture and nutritional content differ.
Are Hazelnuts used in spreads?
Yes, they are a key ingredient in spreads like Nutella.
Is Chestnut flour common?
It's less common but is used in some gluten-free recipes.
Do Hazelnuts contain more fat than Chestnuts?
Yes, hazelnuts are higher in fats and protein, while chestnuts have more starch.
Do Hazelnuts and Chestnuts have different textures?
Yes, hazelnuts are crunchy, while chestnuts are more starchy and softer when cooked.
How do you store Chestnuts?
They are best stored in the fridge if not used immediately.
Are Chestnuts used in Asian cuisine?
Yes, they are used in both sweet and savory dishes in Asian cooking.
Are Hazelnuts common in European cuisine?
Yes, particularly in Mediterranean diets and confections.
Can you be allergic to Hazelnuts and not Chestnuts?
Yes, it's possible to be allergic to one and not the other.
How do you store Hazelnuts?
They can be stored in a cool, dry place, and even refrigerated to extend freshness.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
