TONDA GENTILE

Tonda Gentile hazelnut is an early-maturing Italian variety widely grown in the Piedmont and Lazio regions. It is a medium-height, moderately vigorous, semi-spreading tree with good productivity and resistance to bud mite. Male and female flowers bloom in mid-season, and suitable pollinators include Lansing, Tonda di Giffoni, Nocchione, Mortarella, and Merveille de Bollwiller. This variety is valued for its high yield, reaching 2.0–3.5 tons per hectare depending on growing conditions.

Tonda Gentile nuts are round, occasionally featuring three-lobed nuts of medium size and light color. The nut mass is approximately 2.6–2.7 grams, and the kernel mass is about 1.2–1.4 grams, ensuring a high kernel extraction rate of 45–50%. The nut shell is thin and light-brown, facilitating mechanical cleaning and reducing the risk of fruit damage. Kernels are round, usually free of fibers, easily blanchable, and possess a strong nutty aroma and rich flavor, making them highly sought after in the confectionery industry.

Tonda Gentile is known for its high frost resistance and adaptability to various climatic conditions. Due to its qualities and characteristics, it is one of the best choices for gardeners and hazelnut producers aiming to obtain high-quality raw material for culinary and confectionery use.