Blanched whole hazelnuts, or filberts, are raw hazelnuts that have been briefly boiled and then cooled to remove their brown skins. This process results in a creamy, pale nut with a smooth texture and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Blanched hazelnuts are often used in baking and cooking, as they blend seamlessly into recipes without the bitterness of the skin. They're great for making nut butters, adding to pastries, or as a topping for salads and desserts.