Brazil Nut Trees
Description: A relatively small-sized, round-shaped nut about one inch in diameter, the Brazil nuts are often referred to as “razil nuts” or “impanada nuts.” They are also known as the “tree of giants,” because they grow to an impressive size in just a few years. The tree grows on the Acai palm tree in the rainforests of Brazil and surrounding regions, and has an extremely large range of uses. This nut is harvested for consumption every June in Brazil. The nut contains an impressive amount of healthy nuts, which include:
Nut content: Brazil nuts come in two forms, dry or wet. The dry form can be preserved by storing them in the refrigerator. To prepare these products for cooking, soak the seeds in water overnight and dry out the nuts. The damp process creates an environment that allows the seeds to germinate fully before the nuts can sprout. It is important to keep the Brazil nuts moist and place them in a warm location. This helps increase the selenium content.
Selenium content: An essential nutrient for vitamin B12, selenium helps protect against the development of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Due to their large-sized seed, Brazil nuts are grown on the Acai palm tree, which is native to the rainforests of Brazil and adjacent regions. The trees produce large amounts of oil that is used for bait to attract wild birds. The highest concentration of selenium occurs in the center of the acai palm tree, which accounts for the highest concentration of this mineral in Brazil nuts.
Nut trees: In addition to being grown to provide food, Brazil nuts are used to prevent dry climates from becoming too arid. These trees are a part of a tropical rain forest in south America that provides a home for many migratory birds. Due to the birds using the nuts as a source of food, these trees are very fragile and could easily be killed if brought down in a severe storm. There are some conservation programs in place to protect the trees and the seeds from being harvested.
Seed treatment: Many companies grow and sell Brazil nuts with seeds treated so they will not decay or get destroyed by insects. The treated seeds are harvested and the trees are sawn down. The sawn-down trees are allowed to dry out completely. The treated seeds are then dispersed to areas that need them. The trees and seeds are quickly planted and growing to full size before being harvested again. The trees grow quickly and produce fruit that can be used to decorate with or just eat the fruit itself.
Tree in a pod The tree in a pod is another interesting way to use Brazil nuts. It looks like a pod that is half way full of a grapefruit. This pod is then smashed and a pulpy pulp comes out. This pulp is then mixed with lecythidaceae plant roots that help the tree absorb nutrients.
