Brazil nuts stand out for their rich content of micronutrients, with an especially high amount of selenium.
As a snack, Brazil nuts boast a delicate buttery flavor and smooth texture, providing antioxidants, vitamins, monounsaturated fats, and protein. They can be chopped and used in baked goods, offering a similar taste and feel to macadamia nuts in cookies. Brazil nut pieces also add a pleasant crunch to salads.
Originating from the South American Amazon rainforest of Brazil and Peru, the Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excels, produces edible seeds that can be eaten raw or roasted/blanched. Each seed is enclosed in a large hard shell requiring cutting to access.
Brazil nuts contain significant amounts of monosaturated fats, which are beneficial and provide essential energy for the body.
For storage, Brazil nuts can be kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry for up to a month. For longer-term storage, they should be refrigerated for up to nine months or frozen for up to a year. When freezing, place the original package in a resealable freezer bag.