In the southern hemisphere, Chile is the largest producer of hazelnut with most of the production exported to Europe and the United States.[1] The history of hazelnut cultivation can be traced back to 19th century German, Italian and Swiss immigrants in Araucanía.[1] Large plantations of hazelnut are however a new phenomenon from the 2000s onward.[1] Cultivation is centered in Central and South-central Chile.[1] In 2016 Chile exported about 6,500 ton hazelnuts.[2] Chilean hazelnuts are described by Reuters as an alternative to Turkish hazelnuts that dominate the international market.[2] Hazelnuts grown in Chile should no be confused with the native nuts of Gevuina avellana that grow in Valdivian temperate rain forest, a tree that is called Chilean hazel.[3] The species are not closely related.[3]
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