Snug in the loamy soil of Hornby Island are 260 Filbert trees growing next year’s hazelnut crop, for the enjoyment of all who love the flavour of hazelnuts. 

The orchard was started in 2011 as a part of a research program to develop tasty, hardy, and disease-resistant varieties suitable for our climate. 

The varieties were developed by the Oregon State University, and planted on 6 test sites, one of which was the orchard on Hornby Island. By developing naturally disease-resistant varieties, farmers can count on a healthy orchard without the need for sprays. 

A Nutter Farm was born as a family project of the Sewalls. Still in development, the orchard is growing and thriving, and we are proud to offer these hazelnuts to our customers. The farm is operated with attention, care, and as natural a growing environment as possible.

The varieties include Jefferson, Sacajawea, Yamhill, and pollinizers Eta, Gamma, Theta.

The only commercially produced nut crop in Canada, hazelnuts are a versatile and easy nut to make use of in cooking, baking, sauces, and simply good snacking. According to arborday.org, “Nuts, in general, are considered healthy, but hazelnuts continue to lead the way as a nutritional option. Experts agree that they are a rich source of protein, vitamin E, folate, B vitamins, and arginine.”