Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa)
As the name suggests, Brazil nuts are native to Brazil. They consist of 14,4% protein and are the richest natural source of the amino acid methionine. Combining Brazil nuts with other nuts, particularly cashews and pistachios, or with grains and legumes, will thus greatly enhance the overall protein availability from these food combinations. Legumes are generally poor in methionine and rich in lysine, and the two thus form the perfect partners. With a little bit of imagination, meals can be prepared that are not only nutritious, but are also tasty. Use the nuts to create delicious nut butters, sauces or creams and milks, and in this way create meals which taste rich and creamy whilst at the same time being free from the unhealthy side effects normally associated with such meals.