Fruits, seeds and oil of Brazil nuts produced in Mato Grosso State

Abstract

Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) is the only representative of the Bertholletia genus, but presents great phenotypic variability. The objective of this study was to characterize the fruits, seeds and crude oil of Brazil nuts from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Fruit and seeds from adult trees were collected at the municipalities of Alta Floresta, Cotriguacu, Itauba and Juina. Physical characteristics, yield and composition of the seeds, as well as crude oil characteristics were evaluated. The fruits produced in Itauba were the smallest and had the lowest number of seeds, while those from Juina presented larger size and mass. The nuts produced in Itauba had the lowest mean unit mass and ten-seed mass values. The seeds produced in Juina presented higher lipid content and lower ash content. The selenium content of the nuts was higher in Cotriguacu. There were no significant differences in fruit peel thickness, yield and protein content of the nuts or characteristics of the crude oil.