Overview
Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa)
Also called Para Nut, Butter-Nut, Cream Nut or Castanea. The hard walled fruit of the tree is 8-18cm in diameter and is globular in shape, resembling a large coconut. This woody capsule contains 8-24 nuts or seeds which are arranged in it like sections of an orange. Each nut has a very hard shell and is three cornered in shape. Brazil nuts are high in fat and protein content and taste somewhat like almond or coconut.
The evergreen tree grows wild in stands in the Amazon River basin and reaches to heights of 150 feet (45 metres) or more. During the period January - June the capsules ripen and fall to the ground, where they can be harvested. The nuts within them are then taken out, dried by the sun, washed and exported whilst still in shell.
The nuts can be shipped only during the rainy season, when stream and river waters are navigable. Belem, a port in the Brazilian State of Para, is a centre for Brazil nut export, and the nuts are often called Para nuts. Brazil nut kernels are sweet tasting and an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts are the richest natural source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there oil in the top of the jar?
Melrose nut spreads are made from 100% lightly roasted nuts.
Unlike most peanut butters the natural oils in Melrose nut spreads are not subjected to hydrogenation. In normal spreads this hydrogenation turns liquid oils into solids so that they will not separate out. However hydrogenation also produces trans fatty acids and these have negative health effects.
- Melrose nut spreads contain only natural oils.
- Melrose Nut spreads contain no hydrogenated Oils.
- Melrose nut spreads contain no trans fats.
When using Melrose nut spreads, simply stir in the natural oils. Do not pour off the oil as this will leave you with a dry spread.
Aren't nuts fattening?
Nuts are nutritious health promoting foods and when eaten in moderation have no association with weight gain. Although nuts are generally high in fat, this fat is mostly monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat. Nuts also have a high satiety value (i.e. they make you feel "full" for a relatively low kilojoules intake which may benefit weight loss.
Product Sizes
Melrose nut spreads come in a 240g jar.
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