At GoodSAM, we work hand in hand with small farmers to understand the social and environmental challenges they face– and together, we find sustainable, long-term solutions. One of the most special products we source is the Brazil nut, a nutrient-rich gem whose origin and harvesting process are deeply tied to preserving Amazonian ecosystems.

Where Our Brazil Nuts Come From

Our Brazil nuts are harvested from the Madre de Dios region in the Peruvian Amazon– a place of great environmental importance. This area is home to the Tambopata Reserve and numerous indigenous communities that have coexisted with the jungle for centuries, acting as guardians of its remarkable biodiversity.

The Majestic Brazil Nut Tree

Towering up to 115 feet (35 meters) high, the Brazil nut tree is one of the giants of the Amazon. It can take up to 50 years to produce its first fruits and its protection is critical — harvesting the nuts is allowed, but cutting down the tree is strictly prohibited. These trees are essential not only to the local communities who rely on them, but to the diverse wildlife that depends on their fruit.

Where there is a Brazil nut tree, there is a healthy ecosystem. These trees help create vital biological corridors that support biodiversity and fight climate change by capturing and storing carbon.

A Truly Wild Crop

Brazil nuts are not grown on conventional farms. They grow wild in untouched forests in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, in trees that have existed for thousands of years. They require no fertilizers, pesticides, or human intervention, as their regeneration relies entirely on nature—especially animals, who help disperse their seeds throughout the jungle.

Because they are 100% wild, each year’s harvest is unpredictable and depends entirely on natural conditions. That’s why the availability (and price) of Brazil nuts can vary so widely from year to year.

The Art of Harvesting

Harvesting Brazil nuts is an artisanal process passed down through generations. Each season, harvesters– many members of indigenous communities– venture deep into the dense Amazon jungle to locate the towering trees. Once the heavy fruits fall from up to 100 feet (30 meters) in the air, they are carefully cracked open by hand using machetes to extract the prized nuts inside.

After this labor-intensive task, harvesters carry sacks weighing up to 150 pounds (70 kilos) through dense jungle terrain to reach roads or rivers–  the first step in the delicious nuts’ journey to our processing facility, where they’re prepared to preserve their crunchy texture and rich, buttery flavor.

Why the Brazil Nut Matters

The Madre de Dios region faces major environmental and economic challenges. Illegal gold mining and indiscriminate logging threaten biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. In a landscape under pressure, the production and commercialization of Brazil nuts provide an economic alternative that prevents deforestation and protects these vital ecosystems. A rare win-win: it’s a source of income for local families and a powerful reason to keep the forest standing.

You Can Be Part of the Change!

Every time you choose GoodSAM Brazil nuts, you’re doing more than buying a delicious snack — you’re helping preserve the Amazon, empower small farmers, and promote sustainable, regenerative food systems.

Your everyday choices have real impact. And when we come together through food, we can build a better, more resilient world — one bite at a time.

Through food, we regenerate.