Brazil Nuts Also indexed as: Cream Nuts, Para Nuts
Preparation, uses, and tips
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.
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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 June 2009.