Brazil Nuts (Nuez de Brasil)

Brazil nuts, scientifically known as Bertholletia excelsa, are one of the few commercially traded food products that are almost exclusively harvested from wild-growing trees in the Amazon rainforest rather than plantations. While they bear the name of Brazil, the majority of the world's supply is actually processed and exported from the northern regions of Bolivia. These nuts are a vital part of the Amazonian ecosystem and economy, often referred to as 'Castanha-do-Pará' or 'Castaña de Bolivia'.

Unlike many other snack products, Brazil nuts are usually sold as a commodity by various health food brands rather than a single monolithic corporation. These brands source their supply from local cooperatives and international exporters operating within the Amazon basin. The production process involves skilled 'castañeros' gathering the fallen pods from the forest floor, which are then processed in regional facilities to be shelled, dried, and packaged for global distribution.