Hazelnut

Imagine a tree that gives us yummy nuts! That's the hazelnut tree. It's not a giant like an oak, but it's a bushy shrub that can grow as tall as a two-story house. These trees love to grow in forests and along the edges of fields. They have pretty leaves and, best of all, they make those delicious little nuts we love to eat or see squirrels burying for later!

Hazelnuts have been around for a super long time! People have been collecting them for thousands of years. They originally grew wild in Europe and Asia. Think of ancient forests where people would go looking for these tasty treats. Today, many countries grow hazelnuts, especially places like Turkey, Italy, and the United States, so we can enjoy them all year round.

A hazelnut is like a tiny treasure chest! Inside its hard shell is a yummy kernel. This kernel is packed with good stuff like healthy fats and protein, which give you energy to play. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It's no wonder squirrels love them so much – they're a super snack for growing bodies and busy little animals!

Did you know that hazelnuts are used in lots of yummy foods? They are ground up to make delicious chocolate spreads, baked into cookies and cakes, and even used to make hazelnut milk! And don't forget about the amazing squirrels. They are super smart at finding and burying hazelnuts to eat when it gets cold. They are nature's little hazelnut farmers!