Harvesting Hazel nuts

There are more hazel nuts in our hedgerows this year than ever before. I know that in the next few weeks the mechanical hedgecutter will not only remove them, but usually all the leaves too. Now, all the books say that harvesting is done when the nuts are brown,but I saw a TV Grow and eat type programme where the pretentious garlic with every thing type of chef picked some when they were still green and said that , roasted, these were very edible. Is my memory correct and if so, when is the earliest I can do this.?
Oh and yes I know the hedges along our very narrow land have to be cut back or it becomes impassible, just wish they would wait until September rather than July!

 

I've actually bought some a couple of years ago that were green, never again, they were bitter and tasteless.
But I'm told that some people like them that way.:skp:

If you can get them before the squirrels your doing well, most around here have already been chewed and discarded.

 

Cheers. Must admit I did open one and try the kernel, it was quite pleasant. I have picked a few from part of the lane where they are cutting the hedges today and we will roast them when the oven is in use and see what they are like.

 

Sorry to show my ignorance but what do the plant/bushes look like? Anyone with a pic?
John

 

I can get a pic perhaps at the weekend John.

Maybe palustris can get one sooner.

 

If you Google Corylus avellana you will find plenty of images.

 

Many thanx I'll do that.
John