Nutrient-rich and delicious, Brazil nuts are harvested from trees native to South America. They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fibre and selenium.
 
The brazil nut is a large tree, reaching 50 m tall. It is one of the largest of trees in the Amazon rainforests and can live for 500 - 1,000 years! The edible nuts themselves are found inside the fruit of the tree - they are round pods with a coconut-like shell. When cracked open, the nuts inside are found in orange-like segments. There are about 12 to 20 Brazil nuts in each pod.
 
Brazil nuts can be eaten raw or blanched. They can be added to different recipes or enjoyed as a snack, with a drizzle of salt. These nuts are very crunchy with a creamy flavour.
 
Cooking with Brazil Nuts
 
Try oven roasting brazil nuts. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the nuts on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Then take them out and stir them around and place back in the oven for another 5 minutes. You can eat them as they are or flavour with salt, herbs or spices.
 
Brazil nuts make a delicious addition to pad thai, trail mixes, pesto or as a nutritious topping for oatmeal, salads, or brownies.