Hazelnuts are the fruits of the hazel bush – one of the oldest plants cultivated by man. Indeed, research indicates that in the areas of modern Scotland, hazelnuts were harvested as early as 9,000 years ago. Europeans’ exceptionally long familiarity with the plant is reflected in its presence in numerous folk tales. The hazel bush was often associated with the place of lovers’ secret trysts, making the hazelnut a symbol of fertility and love, as well as the foundation of the genesis of many proverbs and adages. For example, in France, it is said that “the year abounding in hazelnuts” abounds in the birth of children, while a hazelnut gift at Christmas is a confession of love.