By Anna Nelson –
At OtterBee’s, we’re all about celebrating the producers who grow with intention and flavor in mind—and when it comes to hazelnuts, Laurel Foods sets the gold standard. Grown and crafted in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Laurel’s hazelnuts are everything we love about local food: full of character, rich in tradition, and rooted in the land we call home.
A Partnership Built on Generations of Experience
Laurel Foods is more than a brand—it’s a partnership between three Oregon farm families: the Denfelds, Warings, and Johnsons. Collectively, they represent more experience in the Oregon hazelnut industry than any other growers in the state. Together, they’ve created a vertically integrated business that oversees every step of the process—from orchard to oil, butter, and snack bag.
Each family has deep roots in the lush North Willamette Valley, one of the most fertile hazelnut-growing regions in the world. Here, the Pacific Ocean’s temperate breezes meet mountain-fed rivers and rich volcanic soil, creating the perfect storm for world-class nuts. It’s no surprise that 99% of the U.S. hazelnut crop is grown right here in Oregon, mostly by small farms like the ones behind Laurel Foods.
A Nut with a Northwest Legacy
Hazelnuts aren’t your average nut, and their journey from flower to harvest is one of nature’s more unusual processes. These trees bloom and pollinate in mid-winter, with wind carrying pollen from golden catkins to tiny red flowers. That pollen then lies dormant until June, when the nuts begin to form, maturing over the summer and eventually falling to the ground in early fall.
This slow, seasonal rhythm is just one more reason Oregon hazelnuts stand apart. They’re not rushed. They’re not over-engineered. They’re nurtured by nature and harvested with care, just like the products Laurel Foods brings to your OtterBee’s order.
Snack Packs with Local Flavor
We carry Laurel’s 4oz snack packs in three crowd-pleasing varieties, each roasted in-house using their own hazelnut oil for rich, natural flavor:
- Salted – Simply seasoned, irresistibly crunchy, and perfect for snacking on the go.
- Sweet & Salty – With just the right hint of sugar and sea salt for a balanced bite.
- Rosemary & Garlic – Bold, aromatic, and savory—a true Northwest flavor favorite.
Whether you’re packing for a hike in the redwoods, fueling a beach day on the Oregon Coast, or just need a midday snack with substance, these hazelnuts are a go-to. They’re high in flavor, packed with nutrients, and—best of all—locally grown and made.
Pantry Staples with Hazelnut Power
In addition to their snack packs, we also carry two of Laurel’s standout pantry items:
- Hazelnut Oil – Cold-pressed, small-batch, and lightly toasty. It’s perfect for salad dressings, roasting veggies, or even baking. The flavor is warm and nutty without being overpowering—a beautiful finishing oil that elevates any dish.
- Hazelnut Butter – Made with just roasted hazelnuts and a pinch of salt, this butter is smooth, rich, and wonderfully versatile. Stir it into oatmeal, spread it on toast, or sneak a spoonful straight from the jar—we won’t tell.
Each product reflects Laurel’s commitment to simplicity, transparency, and the power of real ingredients.
Hazelnuts in the Kitchen: More Than Just a Snack
Laurel’s hazelnuts aren’t just for snacking, though they’re pretty perfect that way. These rich, toasty gems can elevate all kinds of dishes, adding depth, crunch, and a touch of Oregon-grown magic to your meals.
Chop them up and toss them over roasted root vegetables or grain bowls for an easy texture boost. Sprinkle sweet & salty hazelnuts over yogurt or oatmeal for a breakfast that feels both indulgent and nourishing. You can even blend them into homemade energy bites or add them to cookie dough for a nutty twist on your favorite recipe.
Their cold-pressed hazelnut oil brings a warm, nutty note to salad dressings, sautéed greens, or drizzled over pasta. Try using it as a finishing oil on roasted fish or mixing it with balsamic vinegar for a flavorful bread dip.
And don’t sleep on the hazelnut butter—it’s a dream stirred into smoothies, spread on toast with a little sea salt and honey, or whisked into sauces for a subtly sweet backbone. We’ve even seen it used in vinaigrettes and baked into banana bread.
Whether you’re cooking up a storm or just looking to dress up simple weeknight meals, Laurel’s products make it easy to eat locally and creatively.
The Heart of the Northwest, in Every Bite
Since 1989, the hazelnut has been Oregon’s official State Nut, and for good reason. With more than 70,000 acres in production and about 800 family farms growing them, hazelnuts are a point of pride for the region, and Laurel Foods is helping to take that tradition to the next level with clean, delicious products that show just how special this humble nut can be.
So go ahead—add a bag of snack packs to your next OtterBee’s order. Try the oil. Explore the butter. Taste what happens when local food is grown with care and crafted with purpose. We think you’ll fall for Laurel’s hazelnuts just like we did.
