*The Brazilnut is a South American tree Bertholletia excelsa and also the name of the tree's commercially harvested edible seeds.

*It is also know as cream nut and para nut.

*Though it is called a nut, botanists consider this to be a seed and not a nut.

*They can be eaten raw (they are considered raw, although they are soaked in water for 24 hours and boiled for 5 minutes to remove the hard shell).

*Shelled Brazilnuts become rancid very quickly, so they need to be stored in a cool dry place in a clean, dry airtight conrainer.

*They have a somewhat earthy flavor and they taste and rich and creamy and their meat is similar in texture to coconut meat.

*The high concentration of selenium make these one of the health nuts of choice.

*Number of nuts per serving is 6-8.

Are they raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because most of the Brazilnuts at the supermarket are roasted and salted. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Brazilnuts have about 2,500 times as much Selenium as any other nut. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, which has been proven to protect against heart disease and cancers like prostate cancer.

2. In a study of patients with early Alzheimer's disease, antioxidants including selenium boosted mood and mental performance.

3. Like all nuts, Brazilnuts are rich in protein and dietary fiber that provide satiety and a feeling of fullness.

4. Good sources of phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant compounds that are shown to reduce cholesterol, to decrease the risk of some cancers and to enhance the immunesystem.

5. They are also high in minerals like zinc and magnesium, and also contain useful amounts of phosphorus, copper and iron, which are required for proper metabolism.

6. They are also high in calories and fat.

7. Eating Brazilnuts regularly discourages the ageing process, so they can be called anti-ageing foods.

8. Selenium intake is correlated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, so consumption of Brazilnuts reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Some commentators recommend the consumption of Brazilnuts as a protective measure.