Origin
The subtropics of Australia is where the macadamia nut originated. Its scientific name is macadamia integrifolia, other names it is known by are Australia nut and Queensland nut. The macadamia nut is a part of the Proteaceae family. Macadamia nuts were grown mainly in Hawaii for commercial production. Due to climate change commercial production is extended to many countries in Africa (Kenya, Malawi) and various states within the USA (California, Florida).
Anatomy
This tree nut is about one inch in diameter with an evergreen-colored fibrous husk. There is a light brown hard shell under the husk that contains one or sometimes two cream-colored nuts. The nuts have a creamy consistency with a buttery flavor when eaten. It’s produced by an evergreen tree covered thick and overflowing with deep dark green leather-like leaves. There are clusters of fifteen to twenty, small yet long pinkish or white hanging flowers or racemes, sprouting from the tree. The ripened nuts husk will start to turn brown frequently splitting open before dropping. The fallen nuts are collected and then processed. The macadamia nut tree’s highest yield point is between twelve to fifteen years, continuing for up to forty years.
High-Quality Macadamia Nuts…
– are free of any defects.
-are insect free.
-contains 72% or more oil.
-will not over-brown when they are roasted.
Poor-Quality Macadamia Nuts …
-are often tougher and more immature.
– contain less than 72% oil.
-shows signs of fungal damage.
Where to Purchase
Check out your local markets and supermarkets to purchase macadamia nuts. If you are busy and looking for a more convenient option purchase macadamia nuts online. There are websites such as Amazon, iHerbs, Mountain Rose Herbs, Nuts, and Walmart.
An 8-ounce bag of macadamia nuts is priced at about $13-$18. A 1-pound bag of macadamia nuts ranges from $19-$27. A 1.5-pound bag of macadamia nuts can be priced at $25-$27. A 2 to 3-pound bag of macadamia nuts is priced at about $41 to $45. You can purchase as much as 8 pounds for around $115.
There is a variety that one can choose to try out such as…
- chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (rich milk chocolate flavor; snacking),
- chopped macadamia nuts (nutty flavor and crunchy texture; coating for fish and meat dishes, topping)
- dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (rich dark chocolate flavor; snacking),
- in-shell macadamia nuts (snack for human consumption and tropical birds),
- organic dark chocolate macadamia nuts (rich dark chocolate flavor; snacking)
- raw macadamia nut pieces (crunchy texture; baking, cooking, topping),
- salted dry roasted macadamia nuts (nutty flavor; snacking),
- salted roasted macadamia nuts (sweet flavored; snacking),
- sugar-free chocolate macadamia nuts (semi-sweet milk chocolate flavor; snacking),
- sugar-free dark chocolate macadamia nuts (semi-sweet dark chocolate flavor; snacking),
- unsalted roasted macadamia nuts (sweet flavored; snacking),
- raw macadamia nuts (creamy taste; baking),
- raw organic macadamia nuts (buttery smooth texture and mellow nutty flavor; baking, cooking, snacking)
The price market for macadamia nuts is non-regulated, unrestricted, and will vary due to supply and demand.
Benefits for the body
Macadamia nuts contain copper, fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, protein, thiamine, and vitamin B6. The raw or roasted form is the better option to choose from as they will not have added fats.
According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, an ounce of oil-roasted macadamia nuts (10-12 whole kernels) contain 204 calories, 21.73 grams fat, 2.06 grams protein, and 3.66 grams carbohydrates, along with 13 milligrams calcium, 33 milligrams magnesium, 57 milligrams of phosphorus, 94 milligrams of potassium, and 2 milligrams of sodium. Macadamia nut consumption contributes to lowering the risk of heart disease.
Ways to Incorporate into Diet
Grind the tree nuts using a food processor fitted with metal blades. Pulse to the consistency you desire. Don’t over pulse since macadamia nuts will excrete excess oil. Store them in an airtight container such as a mini mason jar.
- Sprinkle ¼ to ½ teaspoon grounded macadamia nuts on your cereal, use it as a yogurt topping, and add it to smoothies.
- Add 4 tablespoons as a base to your next sauce for your meat.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of raw macadamia butter on a slice of bread adding a buttery crunch.
- Stir 2 tablespoons of raw macadamia butter into your hot cereal for an added nutty flavor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of macadamia butter to hot cereal such as cream of wheat or oatmeal.
- Add 1 ounce of chopped macadamia nuts to your yogurt or salad.
- Use ¼ teaspoon of macadamia nuts oil when making two fried eggs.
Many Uses
- Husk…fertilizer compost, mulch.
- Nut … baked goods, confectionary goods, ice cream, snacks.
- Oil … heavy creams, shampoos, skin care formulations, soaps, sunscreens
- Shell … mulch, plastic manufacture, sandblasting substitute.
For those who are seeking a gluten-free and/or starch-free substitute, try macadamia nut flour (approximately $16-$20 a pound). It is light in texture and contains fewer carbohydrates. It is also great for baking.
Want to smell the sweet aromas of coffee in the morning? Try chocolate macadamia nut coffee (approximately $12 a pound).
Try swamping out your peanut butter for raw macadamia butter (approximately $18 for an 8-ounce) or raw and stoned ground macadamia butter (approximately $17 for an 8-ounce). It is a good substitute for those who are on gluten-free, keto, nutrient-dense, paleo, and/or vegan diet.
Add an extra light layer of flavor to your meals with macadamia nut oil (approximately $17 for 4 ounces to $1,600 for 5 gallons). Its high smoke point of about 510° Fahrenheit makes it a perfect choice for stir-frying.
Store
When in packaging and unopened most macadamia nuts can keep for up to 1.5 years, in a cool dry place.
Once the packaging is opened keeping it at room temperature of approximately 68° to 72° Fahrenheit is ideal. Shelf life in an air-tight container will extend to about five months.
Refrigeration at 41° Fahrenheit and below will extend shelf life to about 1 year.
Adverse Effects
The consumption of macadamia may lead to an allergic effect. It can be in any form such as butter, nut, or oil. Be alert for signs of disruptive bowel movement, hives, itching, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, and wheezing. This tree nut can produce a life-threatening reaction leading to restricted breathing along with a fatal drop in blood pressure. Most people who know they are allergic may keep an epinephrine (adrenaline) pen with them. Be sure to let whoever will be tasting your dish know it contains macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts have a negative impact on dogs. Warning sign to look out for is diarrhea, shaking, hyperthermia, inability to walk, lack of appetite, vomiting, and/or activity level decrease. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, signs can appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 24 to 48 hours. Make sure to check in with your local veterinarian.
Conclusion
Adding macadamia nuts to your diet will be a great way to give your body a boost. Its compounds can aid in improving the digestion system. It can create fuel for your body and maintain your weight in a healthy way. Let’s not leave out that it regulates blood sugar. And is a huge benefit for heart health. There are easy ways to add macadamia nuts to your diet. Notify those consuming the cuisine that it contains macadamia nuts or any other form of it. Doing so will save you and your guest from a possible horrific experience. Keep macadamia nut products away from dogs so they do not ingest them or you will possibly end up with an unnecessary vet bill.