- 1). Fill a bowl with water and place the hazelnuts in it. Remove those that float -- the empty nuts -- and gather the remainder for drying.
- 2). Arrange the hazelnuts on a wire screen. Place the screen in a shady area with good circulation. A warm place above the fireplace is excellent, but the temperature should not exceed 110 degrees or the nut quality will diminish. Do not expose hazelnuts to direct sunshine.
- 3). Inspect the hazelnuts regularly as they dry, watching for change in color and texture. They are hard and white when harvested, then turn soft and spongy during the drying process. They are done drying when they are once again firm and cream-colored. The process should take between two and three days.