John Myers
The Brazil nut is the seed of the Brazil nut tree, which can be up to 50 meters high. The wild tree forms coconut-like capsule fruits, which contain 20 to 40 Brazil nuts in a fan shape. They have a hard shell and an almond-like core.
Origin
The Brazil nut comes from the tropical rainforests of South America, primarily from Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The export port is in the Brazilian city of Pará, which also gave this nut its name. The Brazil nut is not cultivated professionally, the fruits grow wild.
Season
In the rainy season, from November to March, the Brazil nut capsules are collected. The main harvest takes place from January to March. The capsules are broken off with a bush knife and the nuts are exposed. The nuts are dried at high temperatures. Brazil nuts are in high season around Christmas. It is commercially available all year round.
Taste
The taste of the Brazil nut is slightly earthy and almond-like.
Use
Above all, the Brazil nut is a delicious snack. You can also use them – like other nuts – to refine cakes, tarts, and pastries. The Brazil nut also tastes good crushed in muesli or with meat dishes.
Storage
Because the shell is particularly hard, the Brazil nut is usually sold shelled. Then it should be eaten quickly after opening, as it easily becomes rancid or moldy due to its high fat content. You can store the Brazil nut unpeeled in a dry, airtight and dark place for up to a year.
Durability
In general, the Brazil nut is best stored in an airtight container. Shelled Brazil nuts are best kept in the refrigerator. Loose seeds will go rancid after a few weeks.
Nutritional value/active ingredients
The Brazil nut is an excellent source of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It also provides us with vitamin B1, folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, plenty of magnesium, lots of phosphorus, and lots of zinc. Vitamin B1 as well as magnesium and phosphorus ensure a normal energy metabolism. The mineral potassium is responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure and calcium for maintaining normal bones. Iron and folate support normal blood formation and zinc the maintenance of normal skin. Nevertheless, you should only consume them sparingly, because 100 g of Brazil nuts contain 687 kcal or 2878 kJ. Brazil nuts contain 68% fat, of which 75% are valuable, unsaturated fatty acids.
