Copius
Brazil nut, drawn for Copius

Brazil nut

Noix du Brésil

Latin nameBertholletia excelsa
FamilyNuts & seeds
OriginAmazon basin
Season (France)All year
FlavourCreamy · Nutty · Earthy · Rich
Typical price (France)14–24 €/kg

What it is

It cannot be farmed — the tree depends on a single orchid bee for pollination and a large rodent, the agouti, to open its cannonball pods. Every Brazil nut sold has been gathered from wild forest, which makes the trade a genuine argument for keeping it standing.

In the kitchen

One nut can carry more than a day's selenium. That is a real limit, not a health-food claim — do not eat handfuls.

Goes with

Dark chocolate Honey Coffee Vanilla Cream Banana Coconut milk Date

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