Natural Hazelnut Kernels

Quick answer

Natural raw hazelnut kernels from Turkey's Black Sea coast. Verified exporters supply whole, unroasted, unblanched kernels in calibrated size grades, aflatoxin-tested and vacuum packed, ideal for chocolate, bakery and further processing.

Raw whole kernels

Product

11-13mm / 13-15mm

Grades

≤ 6%

Moisture

12 months (cool, dry)

Shelf life

About Natural Hazelnut Kernels

Natural hazelnut kernels are whole hazelnuts that have been shelled but not roasted or blanched, keeping their thin brown skin intact. They are the base product from which every other hazelnut format — blanched, roasted, diced, meal and paste — is made, which is why manufacturers who run their own roasting or processing lines buy natural kernels in bulk.

Turkey is the world's largest hazelnut producer, and natural kernels are graded by diameter, most commonly 11-13mm and 13-15mm, then screened, colour-sorted and metal-detected before packing. Because raw kernels carry their natural oils (around 60% fat), they are kept at low moisture (≤6%) and shipped in vacuum or gas-flushed packaging to protect freshness and prevent rancidity.

FromTurk links buyers with verified natural hazelnut kernel exporters in Giresun, Ordu, Trabzon, Samsun and Akçakoca. Each lot ships with aflatoxin analysis, moisture and size reports, and A.TR or EUR.1 certificates for the EU, giving importers full traceability from crop year to container.

Whole & Unprocessed

Skin-on raw kernels with no roasting or chemical treatment — the flexible base input for roasters, grinders and chocolate makers.

Calibrated Sizing

Screen-graded to 9-11mm, 11-13mm or 13-15mm with optical sorting to remove doubles, shrivelled and defective kernels.

Freshness Protection

Low-moisture, vacuum or nitrogen-flushed packing in cartons or jute bags to preserve oil quality over a long supply chain.

Natural Hazelnut Kernels — FAQ

What are natural hazelnut kernels?

They are whole hazelnuts that have been removed from the shell but not roasted or blanched, so the thin brown skin remains. They are the raw base product used to make roasted, blanched, diced, meal and paste formats.

How are natural kernels different from blanched?

Natural kernels keep their brown skin, while blanched kernels have the skin removed by heat treatment. Buyers who roast or process in-house usually prefer natural kernels for flexibility and lower cost.

What sizes and grades are available?

The most common export grades are 11-13mm and 13-15mm, with 9-11mm also offered. Kernels are screen-calibrated and optically sorted, and specific size bands can be requested.

How long do raw hazelnut kernels keep?

Stored cool and dry at low moisture, natural kernels typically keep around 12 months. Vacuum or nitrogen-flushed packaging extends freshness by protecting the natural oils from oxidation.

How do I order natural hazelnut kernels from Turkey?

Submit a free RFQ on FromTurk with your grade, volume and packing needs to receive quotes from multiple verified Black Sea exporters within 24-48 hours, each with aflatoxin and quality documentation.

Related Hazelnut Products

Related formats: blanched hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts and the Turkish hazelnuts overview.

Ready to source? Browse verified Turkish suppliers or submit a free RFQ to get quotes from multiple hazelnut exporters within 24-48 hours.