Juvie ztepilá (Bertolletia excelsa)

Other names: juvie, para nuts, brazil nuts, brazil nuts, para-nuts, amazon nut, castaña, castanha, para, pará, castana de para, castana se Brazil, castania, tuka

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Juvie, also known as Brazil nut, is a species of plant belonging to the water lily family and is considered to be the only species of the genus Bertolletia. This tree can be found in the primary rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru. The Juvie ztepilá is a massive tree growing up to 50 metres tall with distinctly arching branches. Its fruits, commonly referred to as Brazil nuts, are very popular all over the world. The fruits are large, spherical, heavy and hard as wood. They contain a large number of seeds - nuts that are high in protein and fats, especially unsaturated fatty acids.

Brazil nuts are an important raw material in the food industry. Juvia is mainly used for the production of foodstuffs, be it various types of nuts, coffee, chocolate, or in the baking and confectionery industry. The nuts are also often used in the cosmetics industry, as Brazil nut oil is highly moisturising and regenerative. Their unique taste makes them a popular ingredient in various types of cakes, cookies and other sweets. In addition, they are also used in the kitchen to make salads, sauces, various types of pastries, muesli and many other dishes. They can also be found in some types of ice cream or as a side dish. Outside the food industry, Brazil nuts are also used for the production of artistic and decorative items such as jewellery.