ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Bertholletia Excelsa Humb and Bonpl (Myrtaceae)- Brazil Nut, Para Nut, Creme Nut, Castanas, Castanhado Para. Nutritious Brazil nuts are eaten raw, salted, or roasted. Seeds are consumed in large quantities and are used in international trade. Kernels are the source of Brazil nut oil, used for edible purposes and in the manufacture of soap. The wood is light pinkish-brown, neither very hard nor heavy, and it is limited to cheap work. There has been a flurry of interest in one certain formula of one Dr. Revici, the formula containing selenium and vegetable oils or natural fatty acids. This combination has been tried with cancer patients and, according to one Washington physician, in AIDS. Brazil nuts are collected from wild trees and are nowhere cultivated for commercial production.
