It is best to buy brazil nuts with their shells. Shake each nut before choosing. If the shell rattles, the nut inside is likely to be small so avoid them. Buy nuts with shells that do not rattle. When buying shelled Brazil nuts, check each nut carefully. Avoid discolored or shriveled nuts. Avoid nuts with a musty odor, as it indicates the presence of mold. Brazil nuts will last two to four weeks in the pantry. Refrigerated Brazil nuts can stay upto nine months. On freezing, Brazil nuts will last up to one year. It is best to store Brazil nuts in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Eating too many brazil nuts can cause selenium toxicity leading to brittle nails and hair. Brazil nuts are calorie laden so excessive consumption may lead to weight gain.(2) Brazil nuts may cause allergic reactions in some people with symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, hives, lip and tongue swelling, nausea, vomitting.(3)
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Description
Brazil nuts are obtained from the Brazil nut tree also known as, 'Bertholletia excelsa'. The tree is native to South American countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Brazil. These trees are also abundantly found in the Amazonian forest. Brazil nuts are technically seeds and not nuts, unlike their name. Brazil nuts are contained in a fruit named the Brazil nut fruit. This fruit somewhat resembles the shape and look of a coconut, weighing around two kilograms, with a hard-shell exterior. The fruit inside contains Brazil nuts, all of which are within individual shells. Brazil nuts are large crescent-shaped seeds that are enclosed in a dark brown shell. They are rich in calories and fat, having a rich, creamy flavour and are very valued for their high selenium content.