Brazil nut (Bertholettia excelsa H.B.K.) selenium distribution and physical chemical characteristics of shell, brown skin and edible part from two Amazon regions

Brazil nuts (Bertholettia excelsa H.B.K.) shell, brown skin and edible part from Eastern (E) and Central-Western (C-W) Amazon regions were evaluated for their selenium (Se) distribution, physical chemical characteristics regarding proximate composition, nut ratio and water availability (moisture content and water activity). Nuts samples were collected from two factories located in Manaus and Cameta cities (C-W and E, respectively) to where they are delivered from each State (Amazonas and Para) for processing. Se analysis was carried out by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, proximate composition by the AOAC official methods and nut ration by gravimetry. Se levels varied among nut parts from the shell to edible part as follows: shell -- Amazon basin ; Brazil nut ; brown skin ; nut shell ; selenium ; waste