Some nuts have a high carbon footprint but you can make choices that have less impact on the planet
words and recipes AILSA BURT photographs HANNAH TAYLOR-EDDINGTON
Nuts form an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. They contain healthy fats, protein and fibre as well as antioxidants and vitamins and minerals. Different types of nuts require different farming techniques and almonds and cashews are notorious for the high water consumption required to grow them.
While nuts can be a more sustainable source of protein than animal protein, you can mix up your consumption of them with different varieties. Brazil nuts are a great choice – almost all of them are grown in the wild in the Amazon basin. Because they have such a synergy with the forest and the bees that pollinate them, it is very difficult to grow them elsewhere – the nuts only flourish when grown in healthy forests with good coverage for the orchid bees pollinating them. The act of harvesting them also helps protect the forest environment.
In terms of health benefits, a single brazil provides almost double your daily portion of selenium, and they can be a great model for sustainable food production, as they require little water to grow and are mainly found in the wild, so they are relatively low-maintenance. Try brazil nuts from Hodmedod's (£3.99, hodmedods.co.uk/products/piy-brazil-nuts), who bring them to the UK directly from the Kayapó people of Brazil.
Brazil nut & chocolate flapjacks
Creamy brazils pair well with the rich dark chocolate in these oaty teatime treats. The cherries are optional but they do add a lovely fruity sweetness.
