Raw Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts (aka creamnut, butternut, para, savory nut) are a large triangular-shaped nut originally from South America’s Amazon jungle. They grow in clusters of 8 to 24 within coconut-like pods. Brazil nuts have thin brown skin and creamy white flesh that is high in fat (almost 50%) with a rich, creamy, nutty flavor.

Brazil nuts are very energy dense – making them an excellent trail food for those on the go – two large Brazil nuts are the caloric equivalent of an egg.

While they can be chopped or used whole as you would other nuts, Brazil nuts’ large size makes them easy to grate on a box grater or microplane for a different piece size and texture. They’re typically chopped or grated, then added to cakes, chocolates, muffins, tarts and quick breads.

Brazil nuts can be toasted before consuming as a snack or trail-mix ingredient. Saute them over low heat in a single layer, keeping them moving to prevent burning. Take the nuts off the heat once they start to emit a nutty aroma.