Is is too early for Hazel nuts??

[clare]

I have just walked my dog in the woods and was amazed to see hazelnuts all over the ground,green but fallen as if ready.Are they ready?I thought normally september but since we have lived here the pesky squirrals get there first.I have gathered them but was wondering if I use them in brownie or chopped in cookies do I have to shell them?or do I toast them in the shells or do I just dry them out?? then shell them. I am so excited to get them before the squirrals that I can hardly contain myself but want to get it right.........
Clare

[Odsox]

Sorry to be the bearer of probably bad news, but I bet those nut shells are empty.
It's quite normal for the tree to shed nuts that won't turn into anything about now, just as apples and plums also shed fruit that for some reason are never going to mature.
Crack some open and have a look.

[snapdragon]

Often the tree thinning it's non viable fruit, am currently noting hazels in my area for picking later

[clare]

Oh well will just have to try to get here before those pesky squirrals.....

[Hernaic Tom]

How does everyone prepare their hazel nuts for eating? And how do you use them?