Description

Brazil nuts grow on large trees in the Amazon rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru. The trees can take almost two decades to produce fruit which has hindered commercial domestication.
Exporting still depends on an indigenous economy of traditional communities collecting nuts after they have fallen from the trees, which helps support the tribes and sustain the rainforest.
Brazil nuts can be eaten raw or blanched, however they have a hard shell that needs cracked to get to the edible seed. They are a great source of protein, vitamins, selenium, niacin, calcium and iron. South Americans find many uses for the nuts in their cooking, including sauces, desserts, sorbets and smoothies.