Brazil nuts are the seeds of a wild South American tree. The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is one of the largest and longest-lived tree species in the Amazon rainforest, often cresting 800 years old. The trees are found in their namesake country, as well as Bolivia and Peru. They are the most economically important non-timber forest product export in South America. It is illegal to cut down a Brazil nut tree as they are becoming endangered.

Harvesting Brazil nuts is a dangerous game. Harvest season runs December to March and nuts are sourced almost entirely from wild trees, rather than plantations. The nuts grow at the top of the tree, which is about as tall as an 18-story building. They grow in large heavy pods which weight about 5.5 pounds and these must be tossed down to the forest floor. Being hit in the head by one of these pods would almost certainly mean death.

Brazil nuts have been eaten by humans since at least 9000 BC. They were introduced to the rest of the world in the early 1600s, after Dutch traders brought them to Europe. They first arrived in America in the 1800s, but were slow to gain popularity and still remain one of the lesser known nuts.

Brazil nuts are big and creamy, with a high fat and protein content. They contain many beneficial micronutrients, such as Vitamin B1, magnesium, copper, and zinc. They are most noteworthy as the #1 source of selenium - just one nut supplies 175% of your recommended daily intake! Selenium is an antioxidant important for immune and thyroid health. But too much of anything can be toxic - excess selenium can lead to hair and nail loss. It's recommended to limit your daily intake to no more than 400 mcg of selenium a day, or 4-5 brazil nuts.

Brazil nuts can be found raw or roasted. Keep refrigerated for longest shelf life.

Suggested Flavor Pairings: vanilla, coconut, ginger, allspice