Brazil nuts

Native to the Amazon, Brazil nuts have a fascinating and unexpected history. At present, they are the only globally traded seed crop collected from the wild by forest-based harvesters.

Towering above the forest canopy and reaching heights of 60 meters/200 feet, Brazil nut trees have a life span of up to eight hundred years. Relying on a rare orchid bee for pollination, these forest giants help deter deforestation due to their unique natural ecosystems and role in providing a canopy to understory trees--- an important aid to farmers. Amazon communities have developed organized systems of harvest, and the reliable income derived from Brazil nuts is especially important for communities in remote areas. In fact, Brazil nuts are the most economically important non-timber forest product in Brazil. When managed responsibly, they offer a viable alternative to lumber as a source of income for Amazon communities.

The Brazil nut’s substantial contributions to local livelihoods and forest-based development have prompted researchers to describe the nut as the cornerstone of Amazon forest conservation. This valuable crop generates tens of millions of US dollars in annual export value in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Underscoring the significance of this uniquely important crop, a Brazilian proverb states,

“You don't plant brazil nuts for yourself; you plant them for your grandchildren."

Composition and nutritional values

"A Brazil nut a day keeps the Oncologist away."

Brazil nuts contain the highest levels of cancer-fighting selenium of any other food. They are also rich in heart-healthy fats and have a delicate coconut flavor.

According to a recent study reported in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), men and women taking selenium supplements for ten years had a 41% percent reduction in cancer rates compared with those taking a placebo.*

Selenium enhances the effect of antioxidants, inhibiting cell growth, and the formation of malignant tumors as well as encouraging the death of damaged cells.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut

*https://news.cornell.edu/stories/1997/01/selenium-supplements-can-reduce-cancer-rates-new-study-shows

** "ON FOOD AND COOKING The science and lore of kitchen" Harold McGee, 2004

Directions for 2.2 lbs / 1 kg of stoneground Brazil Nut butter :

1. Pre-grind Brazil Nuts by pulse-crushing them in a Mixer-Grinder/Cuisinart, adding approximately 1 cup at a time. Process for about 1 minute or until you get a fine, wet, sand-like flour.
2. Once all nuts have been ground, pour ½ cup of almond flour into the drum of your Melanger.
3. At first, the Brazil nut flour will be a thick paste and it will stick to the roller stones and the bottom of the drum. (Don't worry about the build-up).
4. Using a spatula, carefully scrape the paste from the sides of the drum, after about 15 minutes, the oil from the nuts will begin to be released and the paste will start to process freely. Over the next 30 minutes, slowly add the rest of the nut flour and allow it to refine for about 2 hours or until you are happy with the consistency.
5. Once you are pleased with the texture of the Brazil nut butter, proceed with removing the contents of the drum. For optimal results, store the spread in sterilized, airtight glass jars in a cool dark place.

Tips FAQS

Why is my Brazil nut butter looking so liquid?

Brazil nuts are very rich in oil, which will be released and melt during the refining process. For this reason, Brazil nut butter will not be as thick as other nut butters. It is more similar to tahini in consistency. This makes it easy to use and ideal for adding a nutty kick to smoothies, sauces, and soups.

Why is there so much oil separating on the top of my Brazil nut butter?

Oil separation happens because of the high-fat content of the nuts: almost 67%! A layer of oil forming on top of natural nut butter is perfectly normal. Simply mix the product with a spoon or a chopstick or, if you prefer, pour the oil into a separate container to use for cooking or as a precious natural cosmetic.

*Percent Daily values are based on a 2,000 kcal (Cal) diet for healthy adults. Calorie needs might vary according to age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity level.