The baru almond has a high nutrient density and high content of quality protein. Furthermore, the lipid and protein contents and amino acid profile of the baru almond are representative of edible seeds and similar to those of true nuts. This almond can be used as a complementary source of protein and as an excellent option for a healthy diet.

Edible seeds and nuts can contribute to an adequate intake of protein, particularly in vegetable-based diets. However, there are relatively few reports with insufficient data regarding the protein quality of these foods, especially of edible seeds and nuts from Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and <i>in vivo</i> protein quality of two edible seeds (baru almond and peanut) and two nuts (Brazil nut and cashew nut) grown in Brazil. The proximate composition and the amino acid profile were analyzed. The true protein digestibility and the protein quality of these foods were evaluated by bioassay with male weanling Wistar rats over a period of 14 days, and the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) was estimated. Edible seeds and nuts presented high contents of proteins (16.3 to 32.3 g/100g), lipids (42.7 to 57.9 g/100g) and dietary fibers (6.5 to 14.3 g/100g). Lysine was found to be the limiting amino acid in baru almond, peanut and Brazil nut, which had amino acid scores ranging from 71% to 76%. Cashew nut had no limiting amino acid. These foods showed high protein digestibility (around 90%) except for baru almond (75%), and their PDCAAS values varied significantly (57%, for baru almond, and 90%, for cashew nut). The edible seeds and nuts grown in Brazil provide a high density of energy and nutrients and they can be used as complementary sources of proteins

While some reports show that physical characteristics of the baru fruits (<i>Dipteryx alata</i> Vog.) differ within and among the Brazilian Savanna regions, a study shows that there are differences in the nutritional composition of baru almonds from different trees from the same Savanna area. It is unknown, however, whether the Savanna’s region influences the nutritional quality of this native almond. Thus, we evaluated the influence of East, Southeast and West regions of the Brazilian Savanna on physical characteristics, nutrient composition and protein quality of the baru almond. Chemical composition and amino acid profile were analyzed, and Amino Acid Score (AAS), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), and Protein Digestibility–Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) were estimated. The physical characteristics significantly differed within but not among regions. The protein (310 g kg^-1), lipid (410 g·kg^-1), fiber (120 g·kg^-1) and calcium (1,300 mg·kg^-1) contents of baru almonds were high, with significant differences among regions for insoluble fiber content (94.3 - 128.3 g·kg^-1) and amino acid profile (AAS = 77% - 89%). The relative NPR (RNPR) values were similar among regions (mean value of RNPR = 71%), and the PDCAAS values ranged from 65 to 73%. The region of the Brazilian Savanna influences the fiber and amino acid profiles, but not the total content of nutrients, the protein quality and the physical characteristics of the native baru almonds. The baru almond is a potential food as source of complementary protein for healthy diets and as a nutritious raw material for various food systems