Brazil is one of the largest producers of Brazil nuts and cashew nuts since both are native to our country. Other nuts that belong to Brazilian ecosystems have gained international recognition for their flavor and versatility, such as the baru nut, whereas macadamia and pecan were introduced and now are adapted to the territory.
For Brazilian producers, nuts cultivation is considered an excellent choice for crop diversification. On one hand, it is a long-term investment, because the trees take on average four years to start producing. On the other hand, it is a crop with above-average profitability per cultivated area.
Most of the production is consumed locally, but exports have been growing annually. In 2018, Brazil exported 21 thousand tons of nuts and chestnuts, with a revenue of $190 million, an increase of 42% over the previous period. The figures include Brazil nuts ($59 million), cashew nuts ($94.1 million), macadamias ($9.2 million), and pecans ($5.2 million).
We have a lot of options for nut lovers to enjoy. So, let’s get to know them better:
Brazil nuts
Native to the Amazon, Brazil nut is one of the noblest elements in the forest. Being rich in good fats, minerals, and high nutritional value, it brings many health benefits and is very appreciated in the country. The almond in the shell is rich in calcium, iron, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Cashew nuts
Cashew nut is very common and loved in Brazil. Besides being very tasty, it brings many health benefits. It is good for the human body as it is rich in unsaturated fats. The nut is hard and oily and is eaten after being roasted to remove its shell. It can be served raw and salted or roasted with sugar.
Baru nuts
Fruit of the baru nut tree, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, baru nut has about 26% protein and is full of nutrients with antioxidant qualities, such as vitamin E and zinc. After roasting, its flavor is similar to peanuts and cashew nuts, although less intense.
Macadamia
Macadamia is a sweet fruit extracted from a tree originally from Australia. It has a very rich composition in fatty acids, with a predominance of unsaturated ones, which are good for human health. The fruit is also rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B, A, and E.
Pecan
Originally from North America, it has been cultivated in Brazil for a century in the Rio Grande do Sul state, where lower temperatures enable its crops. Its nut is a kind of fruit with a very hard and smooth shell. The edible part is its seed, which is more elongated than the usual nut. Its flavor is sweet and slightly buttery.