Hazelnut - Variety 'Ennis' (Corylus avellana)

Meet the absolute visual champion and the pride of American hazelnut breeding. The 'Ennis' variety produces gigantic nuts that are up to 50% larger than the conventional standard, making it a true giant in the hazelnut world. It has become a global sensation thanks to its oversized, aesthetically flawless fruits that look like they belong in a commercial. Boasting a thin, beautifully striped shell, these nuts are perfectly suited for selling whole-in-shell or displaying as a luxurious table decoration. If you are looking for a highly productive hazelnut that combines American yields with a smooth, creamy flavor, 'Ennis' is your number one choice.

Origins and Registration

• Roots: This cultivar originates from the USA (specifically, the town of Ennis, Montana).
• Release: It was officially introduced to the market by Oregon State University (OSU) in 1978.

Top Advantages of the Variety:

• Gigantic Fruits: The nuts are 30–50% larger than standard varieties (weighing up to a massive 4.8 g).
• Aesthetic Shell: Thin, light brown, and distinctly striped (arguably the most beautiful hazelnut on the market).
• Premium Kernel Quality: The large white kernel sheds its skin very easily after roasting (excellent for blanching).
• Superb Cold Hardiness: Both the wood and the catkins can survive freezing temperatures down to -26 °C (-15 °F).
• Late Blooming: Its delayed flowering time helps it successfully evade late spring frosts.
• High Productivity: Features an early onset of fruiting and delivers heavy, regular harvests.

Detailed Plant Profile

Growth and Pollination

• Habit: The tree or shrub exhibits medium-strong to strong growth with a lush, leafy canopy. Due to the sheer weight of its massive autumn crop, the branches tend to weep or droop slightly.
• Pollination: 'Ennis' is cross-pollinating. To set fruit, it strictly requires a compatible pollen partner planted nearby. The absolute best companion varieties are 'Butler' or 'Halle's Giant' (Hallská obrovská).

Nut Characteristics

• Size and Shape: Huge hazelnuts (4 – 4.8 g) featuring an oval to slightly angular shape.
• Shell and Kernel Yield: The shell is notably thin, making cracking a breeze. The firm, white kernel fills up to 46% of the nut's total volume.
• Taste Profile: Pleasantly sweet, mild, and creamy. Because of their sheer size, they offer an incredibly satisfying and pronounced "crunch" when eaten.

Cultivation, Resistance, and Harvest

• Disease Resistance: Shows good resistance to hazelnut bacterial blight and possesses adequate tolerance to the hazelnut gall mite (big bud mite).
• Site Requirements: Thrives in full sun. Plenty of direct sunlight is absolutely crucial for the giant kernels to fill out and ripen properly.
• Harvest Time: The nuts fully ripen and are ready for collection in the second half of September.
• Storage: Thanks to the high quality of the kernels, these nuts have an excellent shelf life. When kept in a dry and cool environment, they store beautifully for a long time.