Brazil Almonds
Brazil almond is the fruit of a tree that grows in the Amazon forest and grows up to 70 meters high. These types of trees are so big and tall that each of them produces up to 120 kg of crops per year.
The fruit of this tree looks like a coconut and weighs up to 2.5 kg. Inside this fruit, there are 12 to 20 Brazilian almonds similar to orange slices.
It should be mentioned that this product is currently grown wild and harvested from the forests. Also, this almond is cultivated in the regions of Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela.
This almond is mostly seen in areas with hot and humid weather conditions, and in terms of appearance, it is a single grain with an almost hard shell like a coconut with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm.
Brazil almond is the product of a tree called Bertholletia excels, which is about 60 meters and its approximate lifespan is between 500 and 1000 years old.
Brazil almonds have an aroma and taste like walnuts and are mostly used raw, but they can also be used roasted overheat (in the oven or on the gas stove).
The most important areas of Brazilian almond cultivation are:
– Brazil: the largest producer and exporter of Brazilian almonds in the world. The states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro are the main areas of this crop in Brazil.
– America: The states of California, Florida and Hawaii are considered major producers of Brazilian almonds in America.
– India: The states of Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in South India are areas prone to growing this crop.
Brazil almond needs a warm and humid climate. The optimum temperature for its growth is between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. This plant grows in fertile and well-drained soils.
The Brazil nut tree is a large tree with smooth, gray and upright skin, which is half branchless and its last parts have long and wide branches that reach 2 meters in diameter. The leaves of this tree are simple, jagged, and green, with a length of 25 to 35 cm and a width of 10 to 15 cm.
In the spring, small, beautiful and bright green flowers appear on the branch of the plant and finally turn into fruit. These fruits are capsule-shaped with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm, whose outer skin is similar to coconut skin and has a thickness of 4 to 5 cm.
The fruits of the Brazil nut tree ripen 14 to 15 months after pollination.
Brazil nut tree planting season:
The right time to plant this plant is spring.
Amount of seed required per square meter:
Since the planting distance of Brazil nut tree seeds is 1.5 to 3 meters, you can get the amount of seeds you need.
Brazil nut planting conditions:
This plant is propagated through seeds. It is necessary that you pay attention to several points before planting.
Soil: The soil suitable for planting and growing this plant is deep, fertile and well-drained soil.
Water: This plant needs low watering and moist soil to grow.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for the growth of the Brazil nut tree is 10 to 40 degrees Celsius, and it prefers the temperature of warm and humid areas for growth.
Light: The Brazil nut tree needs full sun and partial shade to grow.
After paying attention to these tips for planting seeds, first soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours and repeat this every 8 hours. This loosens the outer skin of the seed for germination.
When you see a sign of sprouting, remove the outer skin of the seeds and plant them in a glass container with moist soil to a depth of 2 to 4 cm and water them.
Then cover it with a thick cloth and transfer the seeds outside to a sunny environment after germination. When the sprouts reach a certain size, you can transfer them to the main land and plant them in the soil at a suitable distance.
Benefits of Brazilian Almonds
Brazil almonds, like many almonds, have many advantages and benefits and therefore have a high value for consumption.
This type of almond contains a rich source of proteins and vitamins, etc., which are very important and vital for the body, and we can easily help our body’s health by eating a little bit of this almond.
Brazilian almonds are rich in selenium, zinc, iron, essential minerals, calcium, useful fats, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, fiber, etc., each of which has an important role in body function and has a significant impact on body organs.
Food information
Brazil almonds are very nutritious and full of energy. Consuming one serving of 28 grams of it per day contains the following ingredients:
* Protein: 4.1 grams
* Carbohydrate: 3.3 grams
* Fat: 19 grams
* Calories: 187
* Energy: 99 calories
* Selenium: 988% of daily intake
* Copper: 55% of daily intake
* Magnesium: 33% of daily intake
Brazilian almond mineral salts:
– Magnesium: It is essential for the health of bones and muscles.
– Copper: helps strengthen the immune system.
– Zinc: useful for wound healing and skin health.
– Iron: It is needed to prevent anemia.
– Phosphorus: helps strengthen bones.
Brazilian almond vitamins:
– Vitamin E: a strong antioxidant that is beneficial for skin and hair health.
– Vitamin B1: It is necessary for body metabolism and strengthening the nervous system.
– Vitamin B2: It is useful for strengthening the immune system.
– Vitamin B3: helps the metabolism of carbohydrates.
1- Brazilian almonds are rich in selenium
This almond is a great source of selenium and contains 2500 times more selenium than other almonds. The required amount of these almonds for adults is 55 micrograms per day; Therefore, one medium Brazil almond has 175% of the required amount of selenium for the body.
Selenium is very useful for better functioning of the body’s immune system, infertility, pregnancy, various infections, heart diseases, etc., and for this reason, it is better to have a proper amount of it in your diet.
2- The effect of Brazilian almonds for the thyroid
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your throat. The main role of this gland is to regulate your body temperature, heart function, etc., so it is considered one of the vital and important organs.
Selenium plays a significant role in thyroid hormone production; Because the thyroid tissue has the highest concentration of selenium, and it is needed to produce thyroid hormone and protein that protects the thyroid, and the amount of selenium in your body should be enough that by consuming these almonds in a certain amount, you can improve the health and recovery of the thyroid. Create an effective role.
By consuming these almonds properly and getting enough selenium, you can prevent hypothyroidism and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. As a result, by consuming these almonds daily, your thyroid function is maintained. It also makes people who have thyroid disorders face this problem and recover.
Hashimoto’s thyroid is a type of disorder that causes hypothyroidism and the loss of thyroid tissue, symptoms such as: feeling cold, weight gain, fatigue and lethargy, which by taking selenium improves mood and improves the functioning of the body’s immune system. People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Graves’ disease is a type of thyroid disorder that leads to excessive production of thyroid hormone and causes symptoms such as: weakness and lethargy, sleep problems and bulging eyes, weight loss, etc. The development of some symptoms in people with Graves’ disease is easily prevented.
3- The effect of Brazilian almonds on the heart
Brazil almonds are full of heart-healthy fats, which are called unsaturated fatty acids, and this seed is also rich in minerals, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants, all of which can reduce the risk of heart disease. and reduce vascularity.
In the studies conducted on this almond and its effect on cardiovascular diseases, it was found that Brazilian almonds, because they are full of selenium, reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL). It also improves the function of blood vessels.
4- The positive effect of Brazilian almonds on reducing body inflammation
Antioxidants in Brazilian almonds help the health of body cells and do this by preventing damage caused by free radicals, which are reactive molecules. Brazilian almond antioxidants include vitamin E, selenium, and phenols such as gelatin and gallic acid.
Selenium increases the enzyme called GPX (glutathione peroxidase), which reduces inflammation and protects the body against the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, resulting in cell damage.
In terms of consumption, daily use of even one brain can reduce inflammation, but your consumption must be constant.
5- The effect of Brazilian almonds on brain health
They contain selenium and ellagic acid, which are very useful for your brain function. Ellagic acid is a type of antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat depression. Researchers associate the reduction of this antioxidant with neurodegenerative diseases, amnesia and Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairment, etc.
Elderly people who have lower selenium levels are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
In a study, people were able to increase selenium levels and better mental performance and verbal fluency by eating Brazilian almonds for six months.
6- Anti-cancer
Brazil almonds are among anti-cancer foods because of the algic acid and selenium present in them. Algic acid also has anti-mutation and anti-cancer properties. In addition, it has been proven that selenium has the ability to reduce the risk of cancer. For example, researches in China, where the consumption of selenium is low and the prevalence of esophageal cancer is high, show that there is a significant relationship between increasing the level of selenium in the blood and decreasing the probability of esophageal cancer.
Many health experts believe that there is a relationship between harmful levels of mercury in the body and the occurrence of cancer. In this regard, research shows that the element selenium has the property of reducing the level of mercury in the body, and as a result, it can fight cancer in this regard.
7- Improving mood and reducing depression
Serotonin plays a significant role in mood. Not only this substance can control the mood; It also affects the quality of sleep and appetite. By examining nuts such as Brazil almonds, tree almonds and walnuts, researchers have concluded that the consumption of these nuts leads to an increase in the level of serotonin in the body’s metabolism.
8- Skin and hair protection
It is a good source of vitamin E. vitamin E is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that improves mucosal and skin health by protecting them from harmful oxygen-free free radicals.
The effect of Brazilian almonds on weight loss
Due to its nutritional and health-giving properties, Brazil almonds are suitable for use in a variety of diets:
Slimming and weight loss diet: Brazilian almonds with high volume and low calories create a feeling of satiety.
– Heart healthy diet: healthy fatty acids and antioxidants in almonds are good for the heart.
– Anti-inflammatory diet: the anti-inflammatory property of Brazilian almonds makes it suitable for this diet.
– Anti-cancer diet: Brazilian almond antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer.
– Vegan diet: Brazilian almonds are an excellent source of plant protein for vegans.
– Gluten-free diet: These almonds are naturally gluten-free.
Complications of Brazilian Almonds
We all know that moderation is very important in the consumption of any food, and overdoing it can have opposite results instead of benefits. For this reason, each nut should be used in the correct and certain amount so that it can have a good effect on our body, but if it exceeds its limit, it will cause problems in our body that greatly affects our immune system.
Like most nuts, Brazilian almonds have calories, and consuming too much of them can lead to weight gain.
Some nuts also cause allergies, this type of almond is one of the types that causes allergies and causes allergic reactions in some people.
Consuming the 5000 micrograms of selenium found in 50 Brazil nuts can cause selenium poisoning, which has serious consequences.
This condition causes breathing problems, kidney failure, heart attack, dizziness, hair loss, nervous system problems, muscle tenderness, and joint pain known as selenosis.
Also, on the other hand, high consumption of selenium is associated with a high risk of prostate cancer and diabetes, so it is very important to limit the amount of Brazilian almonds consumed per day.
According to doctors, consuming more than 13 Brazilian almonds can lead to the dangers of selenium accumulation. Therefore, it is recommended to eat no more than 3 Brazil almonds per day to stay within the safe range and at the same time enjoy the benefits of selenium.
There is also a type of sensitivity that can be seen in almonds such as cashews and tree almonds, so in order to avoid sensitivity, you should not consume a large amount of Brazilian almonds. Especially if you have a history of allergies, be sure to consult your doctor.
In addition, there is no prohibition to consume peanuts during pregnancy, but you must consume them in small quantities so that there is no risk of poisoning and allergies for the mother and child. Try mixing it with other healthy nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts that are safe to consume during pregnancy.
How to use Brazilian Almonds
Brazil almonds are available in the market in raw, roasted and flavored forms. Since these nuts contain high amounts of unsaturated fats, if they are constantly exposed to open air, moisture and sun, they may spoil quickly.
In order to store Brazilian almonds for a long time, it is better to store them in a closed container and in a cool and dry place or in the refrigerator.
Brazil almonds can be eaten alone as snacks or chopped on salads as a garnish.
Brazilian almonds are also used in chocolate making. Brazilian almonds are used in the preparation of desserts such as fruit cake.
Brazil almonds can be added to the recipe of various soups, stews or snacks. In addition to these cases, Brazilian almond oil is used in food preparation or in salads.
Important Points when Buying Brazilian Almonds
As mentioned, Brazilian almonds are among rare products and expensive nuts. For this reason, important points should be considered when buying and using it. Some of the most important points are:
The nuts you get should not be chopped and presented in pieces and should be completely healthy.
Brazilian almonds should be packed in special containers that do not let air in, so that it does not spoil quickly.
Do not buy nuts that look bad, because they may be infected with fungus or rotten.
One of the signs of the quality of Brazilian almonds is that they are completely brown and feel heavy in the hand.
Brazil almonds are one of the products that quickly lose their quality and spoil, so it is better to buy it according to your needs and consumption and avoid storing and buying it in large quantities.
If you have bought Brazilian almonds with their skin, it is better to remove the original skin to store it so that the almonds do not rot inside the skin during the storage period.
The best place to store Brazilian almonds is a dark, dry and cool place where no light or moisture can reach it.
And if you follow these points and items when buying and using Brazilian almonds, you can have a quality and high-quality product during its use.
The Difference Between Brazil Almonds and Peanuts
Brazil almonds and peanuts are both part of the almond family, but they differ from each other in many aspects. Brazil almond, also known as hazelnut or Brazilian nut, has a dark brown color and a sweet taste.
In terms of appearance, this fruit is very similar to peanuts, but its kernels are wider and different in size from peanuts. For this reason, they may look similar to each other, but they cannot be considered the same, and it must be said that these two products are different from each other in all aspects.
On the other hand, peanuts are consumed both raw and roasted or roasted, but the best way to consume Brazilian almonds is to consume them raw.
Peanuts are usually mixed with other nuts or in some cases alone, but Brazilian almonds are a product that is not used in nuts and is consumed separately.
The most consumption of Brazilian almonds is for health and cosmetic aspects, where its oil is used in these fields.
Now we know that the Brazilian almond, which is also known as the Brazilian hazelnut, is considered one of the very useful and rare nuts and foods in Iran, which brings countless benefits to the body.
The thing that is important regarding Brazilian almonds and should be paid attention to is that because of its rarity, we need to know where to buy Brazilian almonds.
Atra Atlas Trading Company can be by your side in all stages of exporting this product, you can contact us.
Brazilian Almond Pastry Recipe
After learning about Brazilian almonds and its benefits, it is better to tell you an attractive and relatively easy recipe for baking sweets. Due to the importance of food for health, the calorie content of each component of sweets is mentioned separately.
Necessary materials:
– 150 grams of Brazilian almonds (845 kcal)
– 100 grams of whole flour (340 kcal)
– 75 grams of sugar (300 kcal)
– 1 egg (80 kcal)
– 50 grams of softened butter (385 kcal)
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (20 kcal)
– Half a teaspoon of powdered sugar for decoration (5 kcal)
How to prepare almond cookies:
– Soak Brazilian almonds in water for 10 minutes, then drain.
– Put the almonds with sugar in a bowl and mix well to spread the sugar on the almonds.
– Mix eggs and butter together and add vanilla extract.
Sift the flour and add it to the above ingredients.
– Add the almond and sugar mixture to the above ingredients and mix well until a uniform paste is obtained.
– Make the dough into small spheres and place them on the baking board.
– Place in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked.
– After cooling, roll the sweets in powdered sugar.
*** Total calories of each cookie: about 105 kcal