Raw Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are large, nutrient-rich seeds that grow inside a hard, woody shell on the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa). These trees are native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. The nuts are harvested from the wild and processed by shelling and drying.

Brazil nuts are often eaten whole as a snack, either raw or roasted. They can also be incorporated into baked goods, trail mixes, and chocolate confections. Their rich, buttery flavor and firm texture make them a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Brazil nuts are a natural source of selenium, a mineral important for thyroid function and immune health. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established specific upper intake levels for selenium from food sources. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated selenium and set an acceptable daily intake. Due to their high selenium content, consuming very large quantities of Brazil nuts regularly could lead to selenium toxicity, though this is rare from dietary intake alone.