What is perennial agriculture?
Most crops are "annual", which means that they live for one season and have to get replanted every year. To replant, farmers must loosen the soil, often by tilling, which (1) releases carbon, (2) disturbs the microbe communities that support soil health and maximize carbon sequestration, and (3) compresses soil aggregates, leading to increased runoff and erosion.
Perennial crops, on the other hand, remain in the ground year after year, protecting the soil from wind, water, and plow. They either pop up again the next year without needing to be replanting, or they remain above ground through the winter. Local examples of perennial crops include asparagus, elderberries, kernza, and of course, hazelnuts! Farming perennial crops is a great way to transform agricultural land into a carbon sink rather than a source.
So are all perennial crops environmentally friendly? Not necessarily. Some perennial plants are harvested with a lot of disruption to the top soil and plenty of fossil fuel inputs. If you are looking to support climate-friendly agriculture, keep an eye out for food that is regeneratively grown. Though the term "regenerative agriculture" is not strictly defined, it generally refers to farming in a way that builds soil health by keeping the ground covered, reducing tillage, and supporting biodiversity. Farming in such a manner increases carbon sequestration, drought resistance, and water filtration. When you shop AHC's Midwestern hazelnuts, you can give yourself a double pat on the back for supporting perennial and regenerative agriculture.
If you are interested in adding more perennial foods to your meals at home, the cookbook Perennial Kitchen by Chef Beth Dooley features amazing recipes with perennial crops from the Midwest.
So are all perennial crops environmentally friendly? Not necessarily. Some perennial plants are harvested with a lot of disruption to the top soil and plenty of fossil fuel inputs. If you are looking to support climate-friendly agriculture, keep an eye out for food that is regeneratively grown. Though the term "regenerative agriculture" is not strictly defined, it generally refers to farming in a way that builds soil health by keeping the ground covered, reducing tillage, and supporting biodiversity. Farming in such a manner increases carbon sequestration, drought resistance, and water filtration. When you shop AHC's Midwestern hazelnuts, you can give yourself a double pat on the back for supporting perennial and regenerative agriculture.
If you are interested in adding more perennial foods to your meals at home, the cookbook Perennial Kitchen by Chef Beth Dooley features amazing recipes with perennial crops from the Midwest.
This Wisconsin hazelnut farm builds soil health and prevents erosion by keeping the ground covered all winter long:
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More questions for curious minds...
What is perennial agriculture?
Are other nuts processed on your equipment? (Allergen info)
How do I use hazelnut oil?
How do I use hazelnut flour?
How do hazelnuts grow?
What are your favorite hazelnut recipes?
What sets the Midwest hazelnut industry apart?
How do I join AHC as a grower?
Where can I buy hazelnuts?
Are hazelnuts healthy? (Nutrition facts)
Where do hazelnuts grow?
What is the history of AHC?
How can I see your really fun Instagram?
What is the best way to store my products?
Are your hazelnuts organic?
When will my order arrive?
Do you sell raw hazelnuts?
Are other nuts processed on your equipment? (Allergen info)
How do I use hazelnut oil?
How do I use hazelnut flour?
How do hazelnuts grow?
What are your favorite hazelnut recipes?
What sets the Midwest hazelnut industry apart?
How do I join AHC as a grower?
Where can I buy hazelnuts?
Are hazelnuts healthy? (Nutrition facts)
Where do hazelnuts grow?
What is the history of AHC?
How can I see your really fun Instagram?
What is the best way to store my products?
Are your hazelnuts organic?
When will my order arrive?
Do you sell raw hazelnuts?
