Proximate, Mineral Composition, Color Properties of Organic and Conventional Grown Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.)

Abstract

In this research, proximate composition, mineral composition and color characteristics of hazelnuts grown by conventional and organic methods in East, Central and West Black Sea Regions (Turkey) that are the center of world hazelnut production were investigated. Commercially important 'cakildak', 'Fosa', 'Mincane', 'Palaz', 'Sivri' and 'Tombul' varieties were selected as research material. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that organic hazelnuts contain lower moisture and higher ash, no difference was found in protein, fat and carbohydrate amounts. In terms of all micro elements (boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc) organic hazelnuts were found to be richer and potassium from macro elements were found to be higher in conventionally grown hazelnuts. Color properties were generally not affected by the production method and no loss of color was observed in organic hazelnuts. The high ash and micro element content of organic hazelnuts compared to the conventional hazelnuts would be a good alternative for the elimination of micro element deficiency, which is frequently seen in human nutrition.