Brazil Nut

The Brazil Nut

The brazil nut, from the tree Bertholletia excelsa native to the Amazon rainforest, is a large, hard-shelled nut with a rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture. The trees grow across the Amazon basin, chiefly in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, producing large pods that each hold roughly 8 to 24 individual nuts.

Brazil nuts are used in South American stews, rice dishes, and as a garnish for salads and desserts, and are common in Brazilian nut breads and cakes. Internationally, they are used in trail mixes and granola, baked into cookies and pies, or added as a topping for ice cream; in savory cooking they add texture to sauces, pestos, and vegetable dishes.

Their rich, buttery flavor pairs well with honey, maple syrup, and dried fruits, and with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom; in savory dishes they pair with rosemary, thyme, citrus zest, and creamy dairy such as yogurt or cheese.