Fratelli Formica | Roasted Sicilian Hazelnuts

GROWN IN SICILY'S PRISITINE MOUTAIN PARK

Highland meadows in Sicily’s Nebrodi Park, where hazelnut orchards thrive in fertile, unspoiled nature.

The journey of Fratelli Formica Roasted Hazelnuts begins in the green heart of Sicily. Here, the Nebrodi and Madonie mountain ranges provide an idyllic habitat for hazelnut groves, thanks to rich volcanic soils, spring-fed water sources, and a mild climate. In fact, Sicily is among Italy’s top hazelnut regions, and the Nebrodi Mountains alone produce about 80% of the island’s hazelnuts . These lands are protected as natural parks, teeming with biodiversity, which means the trees grow in clean air and wildflower-dotted hillsides—an environment as pure as the flavor of the nuts themselves.

Hazelnut cultivation in the Nebrodi area dates back to the late 19th century, when local farmers planted hazel trees to replace failing mulberry orchards . Generation after generation have tended these orchards on small family plots, hand-harvesting the hazelnuts each autumn just as their ancestors did. Sustainable farming is a way of life here: the groves are grown without chemical pesticides, and every nut is picked and sorted by hand to ensure only the best make the cut . This time-honored approach not only protects the ecosystem – it also yields exceptionally high-quality hazelnuts. And it’s not just Nebrodi that takes pride in this craft; in the neighboring Madonie mountains, villages like Polizzi Generosa are famed for the superior quality of their hazelnuts, considered among the most prized in Italy . From these pristine highlands, Fratelli Formica selects the finest raw hazelnuts, brimming with natural goodness and Sicilian character.

SLOW ROASTING FOR PEAK FLAVOR

Fresh hazelnuts in their shells, harvested from Sicilian groves and ready for roasting.

Once the hazelnuts arrive from the mountain groves, they undergo a careful roasting that brings out their full potential. There’s a world of difference between a raw and a roasted hazelnut – raw hazelnuts can taste mild, but roasting unlocks their deep flavor . Fratelli Formica roasts these hazelnuts “low and slow,” gently toasting them at a lower temperature for a longer time, a technique used by Italy’s best nut artisans. Research shows that roasting hazelnuts slowly (around 140 °C for about an hour) ensures the entire nut is evenly roasted, not just the outside . This means all the rich oils and aromas inside each hazelnut are coaxed out to the surface, resulting in an exceptionally full-bodied flavor. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you open a bag: a warm, nutty aroma wafts out, hinting at the indulgence to come.

This slow-roasting process doesn’t just enhance flavor – it perfects the texture as well. The nuts take on a beautiful golden-brown hue and develop an irresistibly toasty crunch. Roasted at this patient pace, hazelnuts become extra crunchy and almost “candy-like,” with a delicate brittle snap . The natural sugars in the nuts gently caramelize during the roast, adding subtle sweet notes without any added ingredients. Every batch is roasted to perfection, ensuring that when you bite into a Fratelli Formica hazelnut, you get a satisfying crunch and a burst of aroma in every mouthful. It’s a traditional roasting method that elevates these Sicilian hazelnuts from simply delicious to truly unforgettable.

RICH, NATURAL FLAVOR – NO SPREAD NEEDED
(unless you make your own with these)

Take one bite of these roasted hazelnuts and you’ll experience why they’re a celebration of pure flavor. Hazelnuts naturally have a rich, nutty taste with buttery, earthy undertones and even a hint of chocolate in their aroma . Slow roasting intensifies those qualities, drawing out caramelized notes and a deep sweetness that lingers on the palate . The result is a hazelnut so flavorful and creamy that it feels indulgent all on its own. In fact, the taste is so full and satisfying that you won’t feel the need to slather them in any chocolate-hazelnut spread – Mother Nature has already done the work. Each nut comes with its own natural sweetness and cocoa-like nuance, meaning you can skip the sugary paste and enjoy the hazelnut’s essence straight from the shell.

This authentic taste reflects the terroir of Sicily and the careful craft of Fratelli Formica’s roasting. It’s no wonder that hazelnuts from the Nebrodi region are considered a product of excellence, sought after by top pastry chefs and chocolatiers around the world . Whether you’re crunching on them as a healthy snack, baking them into biscotti, or grinding them into a homemade nut butter, you’ll find these hazelnuts deliver an intense, naturally sweet flavor that can elevate any recipe. But the greatest pleasure might be the simplest: just savoring a handful of these golden roasted hazelnuts on their own, and appreciating how just one ingredient – a lovingly grown Sicilian hazelnut – can offer such a complex, delightful taste. One bite, and you’ll understand why these hazelnuts stand on their own, no chocolate required.

Fratelli Formica is a family-run Sicilian company based in Buccheri, renowned for its dedication to quality. For three generations the Formica family has selected and crafted the finest dried fruits, nuts, and local specialties, honoring traditional methods at every step. From the lush orchards of Sicily to the final package, their commitment to excellence ensures that each product delivers the authentic taste of their homeland.

FOR HOME DELIVERY IN BERLIN:

1. Delivery Area: We provide home delivery services within the ring in Berlin.

2. Temperature-Sensitive Items: We deliver temperature-sensitive items such as eggs, dairy, and meat.

3. Delivery Method: Our deliveries within Berlin are made using cargo bikes, ensuring timely and efficient service.

4. Shipping within Germany: For deliveries outside of Berlin, we utilize DPD services to ship within Germany. Please refer to DPD's shipping and return policies for more information.

5. Return Policy: If you receive a damaged item, you must notify us within one day of delivery. Due to the sensitive nature of our products, we cannot guarantee the storage conditions after delivery. Therefore, we offer a 1-day return policy for damaged items.

6. Verification of Certain Items: We understand that some items can only be assessed once opened, smelled, or tasted. This includes products like wine, spices, cheeses, and other select perishable items that require sensory evaluation. We are open to discussing such cases individually to ensure customer satisfaction and address any concerns regarding these specific items.

7. Compensation for Damaged, Expired, or Missing Items: If we are responsible for a damaged, expired, or missing item, we will provide appropriate compensation options. These may include bringing a similar item for free from the next day onwards, issuing a refund, or providing a discount code for future orders. In case an item would not be consumable despite of not having reached the expiry date, or its container being damaged, please contact us within 24h (.5).

CONCERNING THE WINE SECTION :

Understanding Our Wine Quality Process: We carefully select and taste each wine with Rocket Wine to ensure it meets our standards and matches the detailed descriptions on our webshop. However, we recognize that every palate is unique, and sometimes a wine may not align with your expectations.

If you suspect that your wine is corked or doesn't taste as it should, we're here to support you. We kindly ask that you bring the bottle to our, or Rocket Wine location. This allows us to taste the wine and accurately determine the issue, as this is the most effective method to assess these particular concerns.

We value your input and understand that taste can be subjective. While we strive to provide thorough information and taste profiles for each wine, personal preferences may vary. That's why we invite you to bring in any wine you feel is not up to standard. Please note that for a refund or exchange, the bottle should have more than 50cl remaining.

By following this process, we aim to ensure fairness and maintain the high-quality wine experience you expect from us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this delicate matter.

FOR SHIPPING WITHIN GERMANY:

1. Advisory for Temperature-Sensitive and Fragile Items: We advise against ordering dairy, meat, or other temperature-sensitive items, as well as fragile or freshness time-sensitive products like bread and pastries, for shipping. However, if a customer decides to order these items for shipping, we will take precautions to maintain their quality. We will pack the items using thermofoam boxes, ice pads, and/or protective fillings to help preserve their condition during transit. Please note that despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee the freshness or quality of these items upon reception.

2. Shipping Provider: We utilize DPD services for shipping orders. Please familiarize yourself with DPD's shipping and return policies for any concerns regarding the shipping process.

Additional Recommendations: To ensure optimal satisfaction, we recommend reviewing the storage instructions and expiration dates of items received through our service. Proper storage and timely consumption are crucial for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive and perishable products.

For any inquiries, questions, or assistance, you can contact us at info@archipel.berlin. By placing an order with Archipel Berlin, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. We strive to provide a reliable and high-quality grocery delivery service and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the best possible experience for all our customers.