FROM OIL TO PELLETS: HOW TO CLOSE THE HAZELNUT PRODUCTION LOOP

The Pereski family farm from Struga, North Macedonia, stands out as a model of sustainable and efficient hazelnut production. Specializing in hazelnut oil, chips, and butter, as well as an innovative hazelnut-ginger oil, the farm ensures that no part of the hazelnut goes to waste. Even the shells are repurposed into eco-friendly pellets, creating a fully circular production process.

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"We are the Pereski family farm from Struga, producing cold-pressed hazelnut oil. We cultivate hazelnuts on three hectares of land, focusing on an indigenous Macedonian variety. This variety is easier to maintain compared to Italian commercial varieties but requires plenty of water and natural nourishment. We use organic fertilizer and avoid synthetic options, and we are very satisfied with the yields," explained Zoran Pereski, the farm's owner.

The farm processes hazelnuts into multiple products: chips, oil, butter, and pellets made from the leftover shells. "It takes about 4.5 to 5 kilograms of hazelnuts to produce one liter of oil, depending on the nut's quality," Pereski noted.

Hazelnut oil, rich in vitamin E, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, and a range of minerals including iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, and magnesium, is a nutrient powerhouse. "This oil is even better than olive oil," Pereski claimed.

In addition, the farm was the first to produce hazelnut-ginger oil, a natural antibiotic praised for its health benefits. "This oil supports lung cleansing, alleviates sinus inflammation, and helps with joint issues. Adults can take one pipette, while children need just one drop in tea with lemon," Pereski explained.

Hazelnut oil offers numerous health advantages, such as boosting immunity, improving digestion, balancing hormones, and promoting healthy skin. It also aids collagen production, strengthens bone tissue, soothes burns, and nourishes dry skin.

The Pereski farm demonstrates how traditional agricultural methods can be combined with innovative products to create a sustainable and health-focused enterprise. Their commitment to maximizing every part of the hazelnut embodies an eco-conscious approach that sets an inspiring standard for modern farming.