Brazil Nut:

The Brazil nut, scientifically known as ***Bertholletia excelsa***, is not technically a true nut but rather the **edible seed** of one of the largest and longest-lived trees in the Amazon rainforest. | Feature | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Scientific Name** | ***Bertholletia excelsa*** | | **Origin** | Amazon rainforest in South America (native to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, etc.) | | **Tree** | Massive, towering up to 50 meters (160 feet) tall; can live for 500 years or more. | | **Fruit** | A large, hard, woody capsule, about the size of a grapefruit or coconut (10–15 cm in diameter), weighing up to 2 kg. It falls intact from the tree. | | **The "Nut" (Seed)** | Inside the woody fruit, 8 to 24 **wedge-shaped seeds** (the Brazil nuts) are tightly packed like orange segments. Each seed has its own tough, three-sided shell. | | **Flavor & Texture** | Known for its smooth, almost **buttery texture** and delicate, rich flavor. | | **Harvesting** | Almost entirely harvested from **wild trees** in undisturbed forests, as its complex pollination requires specific large-bodied bees found only in that environment. | | **Key Nutritional Fact** | The **richest known food source of selenium**—a single nut can often provide the full daily recommended intake. | --- ### **Key Facts & Uses** * **Selenium Powerhouse:** They are internationally recognized for their exceptionally high concentration of the essential trace mineral **selenium**, which supports thyroid health, immune function, and acts as an antioxidant. * **Healthful Fats:** Brazil nuts are rich in fats, predominantly **monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats**, which are beneficial for heart health. * **A "Dinosaur" Tree:** The tree requires an intact rainforest ecosystem for its reproduction, relying on specific bees for pollination and the **agouti** (a large rodent) for cracking open and dispersing the seeds. This dependence makes them vulnerable to deforestation. * **Uses:** Eaten raw, roasted, or used in confectionery. Its oil is extracted for cooking and for use in cosmetics and hair products.