Premium Hazelnut Varieties: Tombul, Foşa & Çakıldak
Türkiye’s Black Sea region grows several hazelnut cultivars, but three stand out for their superior taste, oil composition, roasting behavior and industrial performance: Tombul, Foşa and Çakıldak. These premium varieties form the backbone of global hazelnut supply for chocolate, roasting, bakery, paste and plant-based applications.
1. Why Turkish hazelnut varieties matter for industrial buyers
Türkiye supplies more than 60% of global hazelnut production, largely due to the region’s climate, soil and deep agricultural know-how. Each cultivar has unique characteristics that influence roasting behavior, paste flavor, kernel size distribution, oil content and suitability for premium confectionery.
Although hundreds of local cultivars exist, three dominate industrial use: Tombul, Foşa and Çakıldak.
2. Tombul: The global benchmark for premium hazelnuts
Tombul is widely considered the gold standard of hazelnut varieties and is highly valued by chocolate makers and premium confectionery brands worldwide.
Key characteristics
- Exceptional flavor: Sweet, clean, aromatic profile — ideal for pralines and pastes.
- High oil content: Typically 63–67%, contributing to creamy pastes and smooth textures.
- Uniform round shape: Perfect for whole-nut chocolate bars and enrobing.
- Superior roasting quality: Even browning, stable aroma development.
- Low defect rates: Regularly graded with tighter tolerances.
Industrial applications
- Premium chocolate bars & coated nuts
- Artisan pralines & gianduja
- High-quality hazelnut paste
- Gelato flavor bases
- Plant-based spreads and milks
3. Foşa: Excellent roasting behavior with balanced flavor
Foşa is another important Turkish cultivar, appreciated for its balance between flavor, oil content and structural stability.
Key characteristics
- Strong roasting performance: Consistent color development and smooth nutty aroma.
- Medium-high oil content: Slightly lower than Tombul but still suitable for paste.
- Firm structure: Lower breakage, useful for industrial sorting and handling.
- Versatile size distribution: Suitable for chopping, slicing and inclusions.
Industrial applications
- Roasted nut mixes
- Biscuit and bakery inclusions
- Chopped and sliced hazelnut production
- Mid-range pastes and fillings
- Foodservice & industrial formulations
4. Çakıldak: High-yield, durable and ideal for extended storage
Çakıldak is known for its firmness, strong shell, and long shelf stability, making it highly favored for export markets with long shipping routes or warmer climates.
Key characteristics
- High kernel density: Firm structure, low shrinkage after drying.
- Long storage ability: Excellent oxidative stability when properly dried.
- Good roasting results: Slightly slower aroma release but very stable.
- Strong shell: Supports high crack-out yield in processing plants.
Industrial applications
- Long-distance export programs
- Whole or chopped kernels for roasting
- Industrial snacks & chocolate inclusions
- Oil pressing due to favorable fatty acid profile
5. Tombul vs Foşa vs Çakıldak: Industrial performance comparison
| Parameter | Tombul | Foşa | Çakıldak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor intensity | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Oil content | High | Medium–high | Medium |
| Roasting behavior | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| Shelf stability | Medium | Medium | High |
| Ideal applications | Premium chocolate, paste, praline | Baking, roasting, inclusions | Export, roasting, oil pressing |
While Tombul is preferred for premium applications, Foşa and Çakıldak are critical for industrial uses where consistency, durability and reliable supply volumes are essential.
6. How buyers choose cultivars for their product lines
Selecting the correct cultivar depends on target flavor, roasting requirements, kernel integrity and downstream processing (e.g., paste production, chopping, slicing).
- Choose Tombul for high-end chocolate, praline, gelato and luxury spreads.
- Choose Foşa for balanced flavor and excellent roasting in bakery and inclusions.
- Choose Çakıldak for long storage, long shipping routes, and robust industrial roasting.
Many export programs use a calibrated mixture depending on seasonal availability and price stability, while premium confectionery almost exclusively demands Tombul.
Looking for specific hazelnut cultivars?
We supply Tombul, Foşa and Çakıldak kernels with full specifications, calibrated sizes and export documentation.