Puupähkinät

Puupähkinät, also known as Brazil nuts, are seeds from the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), a large tree native to the Amazon rainforest. These nuts are botanically classified as seeds and are not true nuts in the botanical sense. They grow within a hard, woody shell that can be several inches in diameter, and each shell contains between 8 to 24 individual seeds. The Brazil nut tree is one of the largest and longest-lived trees in the Amazon, with some individuals living for over 500 years.

The harvesting of puupähkinät is a significant economic activity in the Amazonian regions of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and other neighboring countries. The nuts are collected from the forest floor after they fall from the trees, as climbing the tall trees to retrieve them is dangerous. This reliance on wild harvesting makes the production of puupähkinät dependent on the health of the rainforest ecosystem.

Puupähkinät are highly nutritious, being an excellent source of selenium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function and antioxidant defense. They also provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, and copper. Due to their rich selenium content, it is recommended to consume them in moderation. Puupähkinät are often eaten raw or roasted, and they are used in various culinary applications, including desserts, trail mixes, and as a standalone snack.