The answer to this question is: Actually nothing! Nevertheless, the two types of nuts are often confused, even though they differ greatly in appearance and taste. They also come from different regions.
What are the differences between Brazil nuts and pecans?
Brazil nuts and pecans differ in origin, appearance and taste. Brazil nuts come from the Brazilian rainforest, have a hard shell and are rich in selenium. Pecans are North American, have a soft shell and are higher in fat.
Brazil Nut
The Brazil nut tree grows almost exclusively in the Brazilian rainforest. The fruits are so-called capsule fruits that contain 20 to 40 seeds inside.
The shells are very hard and difficult to crack.
Brazil nuts contain more selenium than any other crop.
Pecan
The pecan nut is native to North America. It is closely related to the walnut and has a very soft shell.
Unlike Brazil nuts, pecans can be cultivated in plantations because their first fruits are ready to harvest after just eight years.
Both nuts provide valuable ingredients
Pecans are just as rich in minerals and vitamins as Brazil nuts. They contain less selenium, but are even higher in fat.
Tips & Tricks
The natives of North America valued the pecan nut as a staple food.
