BIO Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) ENNIS

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) 'Ennis'

A visual champion and the pride of American breeding, featuring gigantic nuts up to 50% larger than standard varieties.

The 'Ennis' variety is a true giant among hazelnuts. It became a global commercial sensation due to its oversized, aesthetically perfect nuts that look like they belong in a professional photoshoot. It is the absolute "visual champion," making it the top choice for anyone looking for high-yielding hazelnuts perfect for in-shell sales or as a luxury table centerpiece. 'Ennis' combines American productivity with a delicate, creamy flavor.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Gigantic Fruits: Nuts are 30 – 50% larger than average (weight up to 4.8 g).
• Beautiful Shell: Thin, light brown shell with distinct, clean dark striping.
• Premium Kernel: Large white kernel that is easy to clean after roasting (excellent blanching quality).
• Frost Resistance: Wood and catkins are hardy down to -26 °C (-15 °F).
• Late Blooming: Its late flowering window helps it escape late spring frosts.
• Very high and regular yields with an early onset of bearing.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: USA (Ennis, Montana). Officially released by Oregon State University (OSU) in 1978.

Variety Characteristics

Shrub and Growth

• Vigor: Medium to strong vigor. It forms a beautifully foliated shrub. Branches tend to have a slightly weeping habit under the weight of heavy crops.
• Pollination: The variety is self-incompatible. It requires a suitable pollinator to set fruit, with 'Butler' or 'Hall's Giant' being the most proven partners.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Oversized nuts (4 – 4.8 g), oval to slightly angular in shape.
• Shell and Kernel: Thin shell for easy cracking. The kernel is firm, white, and accounts for up to 46% of the nut's weight.
• Flavor: Pleasantly sweet, mild, and creamy. The extra-large size provides a unique "crunchy" gourmet experience.

Resistance and Requirements

• Diseases: Good resistance to bacterial blight and adequate resistance to big bud mite.
• Location: Requires a sunny position. Full sun is essential for the oversized kernels to fill out and ripen properly.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Ripens in the second half of September.
• Storage: The nuts have excellent shelf life and maintain their quality for a long time when stored in cool, dry conditions.