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Brazil Nut

Also Known As : Braazeel akharot, Pará nut, Castanha-do-pará
Technical Name : Bertholletia excelsa
Can Eat 0

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Brazil nuts have a smooth, buttery texture with a nutty flavor.

Usage Tips

  1. Brazil nuts can be simply eaten raw, blanched or roasted.
  2. One can mix them with walnuts, cashews, and almonds to create a trail mix.
  3. Brazil nuts can be used to make milk and butter. The milk can be used in shakes, smoothies, or poured over cereals and porridges. The butter can be paired with raw vegetables like cucumber, celery and fruits like banana.
  4. It can be spread on toasts and crackers.

Common names and forms

  1. Premium Exotic Brazilnut
  2. Raw Brazil nuts

Description

Brazil nuts are obtained from the Brazil nut tree also known as, 'Bertholletia excelsa'. The tree is native to South American countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Brazil. These trees are also abundantly found in the Amazonian forest. Brazil nuts are technically seeds and not nuts, unlike their name. Brazil nuts are contained in a fruit named the Brazil nut fruit. This fruit somewhat resembles the shape and look of a coconut, weighing around two kilograms, with a hard-shell exterior. The fruit inside contains Brazil nuts, all of which are within individual shells. Brazil nuts are large crescent-shaped seeds that are enclosed in a dark brown shell. They are rich in calories and fat, having a rich, creamy flavour and are very valued for their high selenium content.

Health benefits

  • Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium - Selenium is a micro-mineral extremely vital for the body, for its strong antioxidant powers that helps fight free radicals and soothes inflammation.(1)
  • Promotes thyroid health - The selenium content in Brazil nuts helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.(1)
  • Treats Acne - Brazil nuts have shown to protect against acne or lessen its appearance due to their rich zinc content.(1)
  • Improves digestive health - Brazil nuts are high in fibre promoting digestive health and help prevent gastric ulcers, constipation, bloating, and cramps.(1)
  • Boosts muscle function - Brazil nuts are a good source of complete protein, with all the essential amino acids present, thus helping to improve and strengthen muscles.(1)

Selection Guide

It is best to buy brazil nuts with their shells. Shake each nut before choosing. If the shell rattles, the nut inside is likely to be small so avoid them. Buy nuts with shells that do not rattle. When buying shelled Brazil nuts, check each nut carefully. Avoid discolored or shriveled nuts. Avoid nuts with a musty odor, as it indicates the presence of mold. Brazil nuts will last two to four weeks in the pantry. Refrigerated Brazil nuts can stay upto nine months. On freezing, Brazil nuts will last up to one year. It is best to store Brazil nuts in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.   

Note

Eating too many brazil nuts can cause selenium toxicity leading to brittle nails and hair. Brazil nuts are calorie laden so excessive consumption may lead to weight gain.(2) Brazil nuts may cause allergic reactions in some people with symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, hives, lip and tongue swelling, nausea, vomitting.(3)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/brazil-nuts.html

(2) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325000.php

(3) https://allergy-symptoms.org/brazil-nut-allergy-symptoms/

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”