How to choose hazelnut calibre for industrial applications
Calibre is a purchasing specification, not a stand-alone measure of quality. The right screen size depends on whether the hazelnut will remain visible, be coated, roasted, chopped or ground.
What calibre means
Whole kernels are commonly traded by millimetre screen ranges. UNECE DDP-04 allows sizing by maximum equatorial diameter and requires the size and sizing method to be stated when kernels are sized. A buyer specification should therefore name the range and the screening convention.
Match size to the process
Larger, visually uniform kernels can suit premium whole-nut products and decoration. Mid-range kernels are versatile for roasting, coating and confectionery. When kernels will be chopped, milled or converted into paste, consistency, flavour, defect tolerance and process yield may matter more than paying for a large whole-kernel calibre.
Write a useful request
State the product, target range, application, roasting or blanching requirement, annual volume, packaging and destination. Ask how undersize and oversize tolerances are controlled, and approve a representative sample before final confirmation.