Brazil nuts are actually seeds from a South American tree that grows in rainforests and are a popular food source worldwide. The tree relies on animals for pollination and seed dispersal, and the nuts are high in protein and fat. They can also be pressed for oil.
Brazil nuts are technically seeds, not nuts, but their nut-like brown casings have led most people to call them walnuts. They are produced from a South American tree that tends to grow in virgin rainforests and are an extremely popular food source in many Latin American nations and the rest of the world. Nuts have a rich, creamy flavor that lends itself well to an assortment of dishes as well as being tasty on its own.
The tree from which the Brazil nuts come is known as Bertholletia excelsa by most botanists. Under good growing conditions, the tree can reach a height of 150 feet (45 meters) and plays a significant role in the ecology of rainforests. The trees typically have straight, smooth trunks that open to a branching canopy and drop their leaves during the dry season. Many animals interact with the trees of Brazil, including the agouti, a type of South American rodent that eats the seeds and hides others for later consumption. Hidden nuts sometimes develop into trees of their own, perpetuating the cycle.
Trees are excellent illustrations of the complex web of interdependence that characterizes the rainforest. When they flower, the trees produce complex whorled flowers that cannot be penetrated by most pollinators. One species of bee likes flowers, but is only found in the presence of a particular orchid. Therefore, Brazil nuts will only be produced in rainforest regions that have this orchid. In turn, the tree relies on animals such as the agouti to seed itself.
In nature, walnuts develop inside a large capsule that strongly resembles a coconut. When cut open, the capsule reveals a number of three-sided dice. Nuts have extremely hard shells, but if they can be cracked successfully, they produce seeds that are high in protein and fat. These nuts are considered a complete protein, making them a great addition to a vegetarian diet. Unfortunately, due to their high fat content, nuts can easily go rancid and should be stored in a cool, dry place and eaten quickly.
In addition to being marketed on their own as nuts, Brazil nuts are also pressed to produce oil. The oil is rich, creamy and very flavorful. It can be used in baking projects and also has applications as a lubricant. It can sometimes be difficult to find the oil, but the dice themselves are usually readily available in most markets.
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