Shelled Brazil nuts can be eaten whole as snacks or covered in chocolate as a confection. They can also be sliced,
chopped, or ground and used in sweet and savory dishes, such as cookies and cakes or salads
and stuffing. Since they have a similar taste, Brazil nuts can replace macadamia nuts as well
as coconuts in most recipes. For ease in opening hard Brazil nut shells, soak the nuts in
water and boil them to soften the shell.
Buying and storing tips
Unshelled Brazil nuts will keep for a few months if stored in a cool, dry place. Once
shelled, the nuts must be kept under refrigeration in a tightly sealed container where they
will keep for several months.
Varieties
Brazil nuts are the edible seeds of a giant South American tree (Bertholletia
excelsa) that grows wild in the Amazon River basin.
Nutrition Highlights
Brazil nuts (unblanched), 6–8 kernels (1
oz. [28g])
Calories: 186
Protein: 4.0g
Carbohydrate: 3.6g
Total Fat: 18.8g
Fiber: 1.5g
*Excellent source of: Selenium (839mcg)
*Good source of: Magnesium (63.8mg), and Thiamine (0.28mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes
only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult
your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any
supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Information expires February 2010.
