Composition of Hazelnuts (Corylus Avellana L.) Grown in Albania

Albania belongs to the Western part of the Balkan Peninsula, shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Its climate mainly belongs to the Mediterranean subtropical category, but in some regions is present the continental regime. The possibility to cultivate the nuts is evident. The Scientific study of the hazelnuts is important due to the possibilities of incorporating the results to the national scheme, currently under implementation, for the enlargement of the cultivated nuts’ plantations. Beyond the economic interest, their study shows high scientific interest to the nutritional benefits, as an important source of polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, mineironmentral etc. Preliminary studies on the main constituents from the samples of two nut cultivars, Visoka and Tonda romana, were conducted in two selected sites. These results are part of a study in for the harvesting year 2011. The chemical analysis was carried out according to the AOAC (2000) methods. The results indicate, that the main constituent in the dried hazelnuts results in the triglycerides of 59.9- 61.02 g/100 g dry weight. The protein content varies 14.25-15.14 g/100g, and carbohydrates vary on 18.21-20.55 g/100 g dry weight hazelnut. Keywords: Hazelnut, Corylus Avellana L., Tonda romana, Visoka, Triglycerides