©Copyright MSCOMM Photo: The Nut Factory
Michele Serre, Editor
| All about BRAZIL NUT |  | Carya illinoinensis
French: Noix du Brésil |
Brazil nuts are actually large seeds shaped like triangular orange segments. They have a brown outer skin a crispy white interior, and are very high in oil. They are extremely hard, and are found in clusters of 12 to 24 inside a 4" to 6" pod that resembles a coconut (a botanical definition of a nut is a fruit with a hard, dry shell that needs to be cracked open to release the kernel).
The tree
The majestic Brazil nut tree grows wild in the
tropical rain forests. The nuts are gathered in the Amazon basin of Brazil, Peru and
Bolivia. Mature tree can produce between 250 and 500 pounds of Brazil nuts per year. It do not begin to produce nuts in significant quantities until after about 12 to 15 years. The pods are
gathered when they have fallen from the trees and they must be chopped open to
obtain the nuts. Falling Brazil nut tree pods can be dangerous, and Indians who
gather the pods make sure to do so in clement weather.
Nutrition
Facts:
Serving Size 1 oz. (28g)
- Calories 186
Calories from Fat 169
Total Fat 19g (29% DV)
Saturated Fat 5g (23% DV)
Cholesterol 0 mg (0% DV)
Sodium 1 mg (0% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 4g (1% DV)
Dietary Fiber 2g (6% DV)
Sugars 2g
Protein 4g
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 5%
Iron 5%
To prepare
Brazil nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, salted, and in various dessert items such
as ice cream, confectionery, and baked goods.
