Superfoods with a story: Baru Nuts & Shahtoot Mulberries

What Are Baru Nuts?

A nutrient-rich legume with deep roots in the Brazilian Cerrado

Although they’re often called “nuts,” Baru nuts are actually ancient legumes—unrelated to peanuts or tree nuts. They grow on the Baruzeiro tree, a keystone species in Brazil’s Cerrado savannah. This unique ecosystem is one of the most biodiverse on Earth, yet it’s disappearing even faster than the Amazon rainforest.

Baruzeiro trees grow wild without irrigation, fertilisers, or chemicals. They help prevent soil erosion, reduce flooding, and offer shelter to native wildlife. When communities harvest the nuts sustainably, they protect the trees instead of cutting them down for timber or soy farming.

So, when you enjoy Baru nuts, you’re not just nourishing yourself—you’re helping preserve an entire ecosystem.

Why Baru Nuts Are Special

Baru nuts have been called “the most nutritious nut on Earth,” and for good reason:

• Extremely high in antioxidants – even more than almonds or walnuts

• Around 30% plant-based protein, with all essential amino acids

• Packed with iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and more

• More dietary fibre than any other nut

• Naturally non-GMO, wild-grown, and never hybridised

• Roasted to deactivate trypsin inhibitors—making them easier to digest

Meet the Shahtoot Black Mulberries

A rare fruit with a royal name and a rich legacy

Most dried mulberries on the market come from the Morus alba species—but not these. Shahtoot mulberries are from the rare Morus nigra tree, known for its deep purple-black colour and luxurious flavour. In Persian and South Asian cultures, shahtoot means “King Mulberry,” and these berries are truly fit for royalty.

They’re hand-picked at peak ripeness and gently sun-dried to preserve their juicy texture and bold, tart-sweet taste. The result? A berry that’s chewy, vibrant, and full of life—far from the dry, bland mulberries you may know.

The Power of Purple

The rich colour of Shahtoot mulberries isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful. These berries are loaded with:

• C3G (Cyanidin-3-glucoside) – a potent anti-inflammatory compound

• Phenolic acids and flavonols – powerful antioxidants for cell protection

• Natural iron – helpful for energy, focus, and combatting fatigue

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, black mulberries are seen as a yin tonic that nourishes the blood and kidneys. Whether you follow ancient wellness systems or modern science, these berries are a smart, sweet way to care for yourself.