Superfood Spotlight: Baru Seeds!
by Vickie Chin on Feb 25, 2019
Have you heard of baru seeds? Many people haven’t but we’re here to introduce you to your new favourite superseed! Often referred to as baru ‘nuts’ due to their nutty-peanut flavour, these nutrient dense legumes are actually a seed! Baru has begun to receive recognition over the last year and we’re here to tell you why it’s well deserved. We’re shedding some light on our new favourite superseed: Baru!
Name: Dipteryx Alata
AKA: baru seeds, baru nuts, baruzeiro, baru almond
Organic Remedy: superseed, antioxidants, protein, fibre
Plant Family: fabaceae
Native To: the Cerrado savanna of Midwestern Brazil
Type: tree
Similar To: peanuts, almonds
Supplement Forms: wholefood seeds
The Story Of Baru Seeds:
Baru seeds are harvested from the baruzeiro tree which grows exclusively in the Cerrado, a savannah region in Brazil. The Cerrado is so remote that these seeds are unknown to many people, including those native to Brazil. Baru seeds are harvested from the inside of the fleshy fruit of the baruzeiro tree, which is also harvested and consumed by the people of the Cerrado and made into jams and jellies. Baru seeds can be eaten alone and also used as an ingredient in baked goods, bars, desserts and beverages. Baru seeds also produce an oil that when extracted is used both internally, as you would olive oil, and externally, as you would coconut oil.
Baru seeds help not only the Cerrado, but those living within this remote region of Brazil…
The Cerrado encompasses huge plots of land that span five different states in Brazil. The baruzeiro tree, from which baru seeds are harvested, grows alongside other trees as part of a diverse forest system. Unfortunately, the Cerrado, a piece of land larger than the State of Texas, is under great threat of deforestation. This is due to the unfortunate introduction of monoculture farming crops such as soy and corn. The introduction of these crops is causing a lot of harm to the local savannah ecosystem.
Baru seeds could be the solution to this problem…
The Cerrado is home to the largest underground aquifers, which are bodies of permeable rock that contain and transmit groundwater. If these aquifers were lost or harmed, it cold mean detrimental consequences for rivers not only in the Cerrado, but all across Brazil. The deep roots of the baruzeiro trees not only provide structural support for the soil but also help to sustain these aquifers due to their need for little to no irrigation. By harvesting and protecting these baruzeiro trees, you are helping to sustain and protect not only the environmental integrity of the Cerrado, and Brazil as a whole, but also the communities that rely on them for food and income.
We work with suppliers who are committed to sustainable sourcing and assisting small farmers to ensure that an ethical supply chain is maintained. Key players include independent small growers, farmer cooperatives, owners of large cattle farms and the kilombos.
Our suppliers are invested in securing sustainable supply chains which in turn has a positive impact on local farmers and communities. Our goal is to bring you the highest quality baru seeds through sustainable and ethical sourcing. When you eat baru seeds, you’re not only nourishing your body but you’re also supporting local communities in the Cerrado and protecting the biodiversity of this remote region in Brazil.
Benefits of Baru Seeds:
- High levels of protein
- High levels of fibre
- Contains a variety of minerals and vitamins such as iron, zinc, potassium and vitamin C and also a host of antioxidants
Nutritional Breakdown:
This nutritional info is based on our roasted baru seeds. By roasting our baru seeds, we’re actually increasing their nutritional value. Baru seeds contain an antinutrient called trypsin inhibitor which makes it hard and almost impossible for your body to digest the proteins found in these seeds. By deactivating this antinutrient, we’ve made the beneficial plant based proteins bioavailable!
Despite their peanut like taste and texture, baru seeds are certified nut-free, making them a suitable snack for individuals with a peanut allergy and also school safe!
Are They Organic?
Baru seeds are certified organic in Brazil, however here in North America, this is not yet recognized. Our roasted baru seeds are wildcrafted from native trees found in the Cerrado of Brazil. This is one of the oldest biomes in the world! Since baru seeds are not cultivated commercially, it’s difficult to receive acknowledgement from North American certification agencies. Rest assured, these nutritious seeds are coming from crops on the opposite end of the spectrum as GMO crops like soy and corn. With time, and a little help from you as a consumer, baru seeds should be able to receive the organic certification within North America that they deserve!
Which is why we've put them under the Natural Traditions name!
You may have noticed that the branding for our baru seeds is a little different from the majority of our other superfoods. One of our brand promises is transparency, and since baru seeds are not certified organic in North America (despite being certified organic in Brazil), we thought it would be best to nest this superfood under the Natural Traditions name. Another example of an organic product in the Natural Traditions family is our Camu-C capsules. Despite the powder found in the capsule being certified organic, in North America it's not possible to classify a capsule as organic. The same goes for our Natural Traditions Ahiflower oil veggie capsules!
Best Uses: Baru seeds can be consumed as a stand alone snack - just as you would any other seed or not. They can be a delicious addition to trail mixes and can also be used to make butters and spreads. Try incorporating them into baked goods, energy balls, dips, sauces and desserts.
Storage: Refrigeration is not required. It is is best stored in an airtight package in a cool, dry, dark place.
What Sets Our Superfoods Apart:
At Organic Traditions, we offer the highest quality organic, vegan superfoods in their purest forms. We practice sustainable sourcing and harvesting and ensure that no GMO’s, fillers, preservatives, harsh chemicals, solvents or high heat are used in extracting or producing any of our superfoods and superherbs.
