Going batty for Brazil nuts

It may sound bizarre, look bizarre and you may have never heard of it before, but after you’ve read its fact sheet you may be adding it to your next meal. Yes, its benefits are that uh-mazing.

SUPER FOOD OF THE MONTH:
Brazil Nuts

What is it: Brazil nuts, also known as Bertholletia excels, are harvested edible seeds from the fruit of the Brazil nut tree.

Where it’s from: South America

Where it’s grown: On the Brazil nut tree

What it tastes and looks like: It has a dark brown shell with a white meat inside. It is three-sided in shape with a sweet nutty flavour.

How to eat it: They can be eaten raw, salted or sweetened and may be eaten alone or added to dishes. You can crush and sprinkle them over salads or fruit cakes.

A good source of: Mono-unsaturated fatty acids, a very good source of vitamin E as well as high levels of selenium

Benefits: Brazil nuts help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood stream. They help maintain the integrity of the cell membrane. As a bonus, they are gluten free, so if you’re gluten intolerant add Brazil nuts to your diet.

Chocolate coated Brazil nuts

Treat yourself a little, but still reap the benefits of the what’s inside.

Ingredients:
50g white chocolate
50g milk chocolate
50g dark chocolate
50 whole Brazil Nuts, shelled

Method
1. Melt the three different chocolates in three different bowls one at a time. You can either melt it down in a pot, or in a bowel in the microwave. Remove and stir well.

2. Dip the Brazil nuts into the chocolate and carefully coat them. Shake off excess chocolate and lay them down on a tray lined with baking paper. Leave to set.

What are your thoughts on Brazil nuts?

Image: Shutterstock.com