Brazil Nut
Bertholletia excelsa
Description
Edible seed of the Brazil Nut tree, a powerhouse of selenium (1917 mcg/100g). Consumed raw or in recipes.
Benefits
Extremely high selenium content (3470% DV). Natural antioxidant and thyroid protector.
History and Origins
The Brazil Nut is native to the Amazon and was consumed by indigenous peoples long before the arrival of Europeans. In the 19th century, it became one of the region's main export products. Its tree can live for over 500 years and is vital to the rainforest ecosystem.
Fun Facts
Did you know the Brazil Nut is one of the largest seeds in the world? And while Brazil is famous for it, Bolivia is currently the largest exporter! Eating just one nut a day provides the recommended dose of selenium.
What are the varieties of Brazil Nut?
There are no significant commercial varieties, but nuts can be classified by size and oil content.
Nutritional Values per 100g of Brazil Nut
| Calories | 656 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 12.3 g |
| Protein | 14.3 g |
| Fat | 66.4 g |
| Fiber | 7.5 g |
| Vitamin C | 0.7 mg |
Harvest Months
Harvest months listed here correspond to the Southern Hemisphere.