Other than its name suggests, the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is mainly grown in Bolivia, which accounts for roughly half of the world production of these nuts. With Brazil and Peru being second and third, practically all Brazil nuts are grown in the Amazon region. By estimates of Brazilian authorities, the Amazon region hosts about nine million trees Brazil nut trees.

The Brazil nut tree may grow for over five hundred years. With its towering height and average annual yield of thirty to forty kilograms, the tree is widely considered to be among the most economically important plants of the Amazon. The Brazil nut tree is also the only widely traded commodity that is still harvested from the wild, rather than on plantations.

The fruits of the Brazil nut tree are round, with a diameter of around ten centimetres and weigh up to two kilograms. These fruits carry anywhere between 12 and 25 seeds – the actual Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts consist of a hard, thin outer shell and a white kernel, which is the edible part of the seed. These have a nutty texture. Brazil nuts might be consumed raw, sweetened, salted or roasted. Being ground, they may well serve as an ingredient for soups, deserts or sprinkled over salads.

Uniquely the Brazil nut is a huge source of the mineral selenium, It is assumed that it protects against heart and vascular diseases and certain cancers. Furthermore, the nuts are high in calories and contain good quantities of vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals. Brazil nuts are gluten-free.