Hazelnut Production in Azerbaijan: Why Zaqatala Smells Like Hazelnuts Every Autumn

Zaqatala – The Center of Azerbaijan’s Hazelnut Farms

The Zaqatala district sits in the Shaki-Zaqatala area, surrounded by forested hills and rivers that bring rich soil and mild weather. These conditions are perfect for hazelnut trees. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Azerbaijan produces more than 70,000 tons of hazelnuts every year, and about 70 to 75 percent of them come from this region. Together with nearby districts such as Balakan, Gakh, and Oghuz, Zaqatala forms the heart of the country’s nut industry.

Hazelnuts are one of Azerbaijan’s most important crops. They support thousands of small family farms and are now a key agricultural export. The nuts grown here are shipped to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, helping to diversify the national economy beyond oil and gas.

The Traditional Ata-Baba Hazelnut Variety

One of the most popular local varieties is the Ata-Baba hazelnut. It has been grown in this part of Azerbaijan for generations and is known for its rich taste and high oil content. The Slow Food Foundation lists Ata-Baba as part of Azerbaijan’s traditional farming heritage because it is still cultivated using local knowledge passed down through families.

How the Harvest Creates the Famous Zaqatala Scent

The hazelnut harvest season begins in late summer when ripe nuts fall from the trees. Farmers collect them by hand or with small harvesting machines. After collection, the nuts are cleaned, sorted, and dried in open spaces or drying facilities. During this process, natural oils and compounds are released from the shells and husks, filling the valleys with the well-known hazelnut smell.

Large factories also play a major role. The Zaqatala Hazelnut Factory, operated by Azersun Holding, processes thousands of tons each season. It cleans, dries, and prepares hazelnuts for export while working closely with small local growers. The mix of modern equipment and traditional farming keeps the quality high and the regional identity intact.

Modernization and Sustainable Growth

In recent years, the government and international organizations have encouraged the use of modern farming equipment, improved irrigation, and better pest control. Studies from FAO show that hazelnut production in Azerbaijan has increased by more than 50 percent thanks to these improvements. Mechanization helps farmers harvest faster, reduce waste, and protect the environment.

A Lasting Symbol of the Region

When the air in Zaqatala smells like hazelnuts, it means another successful harvest has begun. The scent is more than just a sign of the season. It represents the skill of local farmers, the value of modern technology, and the growing role of Azerbaijan in the global hazelnut market.