Macadamia nuts are one of the lesser-known types of nuts in our country. In addition to their lesser use in the kitchen, this is also due to their high price.
In 2019, macadamia nuts overtook pine nuts to become the most expensive nut in the world. However, their higher price shouldn't deter you from eating them. And why is that?
Macadamia nuts are among the healthiest and most nutritious nuts, which is why they should be in your diet.
What are macadamia nuts?
Before we get to their composition and effects, let's first look at their origin.
Macadamia nuts grow on trees and originate from Australia, where they were a favorite food of the Australian Aborigines. Today, in addition to Australia, they are also grown in Brazil, Hawaii, Costa Rica, New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa has been the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world since 2010.
What do macadamia nuts look like?
Macadamia nuts are round and light yellow in color. Of the four types of macadamia nuts, only two are edible – macadamia integrifolia and macadamia tetraphylla. The former has a thin shell and the latter a thicker one.
Macadamia nuts are known to be very hard and difficult to crack, which is why they are sold already shelled .
Why are macadamia nuts so expensive?
We mentioned at the beginning that macadamia nuts are among the most expensive nuts in the world. This is mainly due to their very demanding cultivation and processing.
The macadamia tree only begins to produce its first nuts at the age of 7 to 10. However, if nut production becomes established, the macadamia tree can produce new nuts for up to 100 years.
Macadamia trees prefer fertile and very well-drained soils, plenty of rainfall, and temperatures that do not drop below 10°C.
What do macadamia nuts taste like?
Macadamia nuts have a distinct buttery flavor . By roasting or salting them, we can extract their natural subtle sweetness and smooth creamy texture.
Since they come mainly from tropical regions, they pair very well with lemon , black coffee and coconut.
What do macadamia nuts contain?
Macadamia nuts are calorie-dense and contain high amounts of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
100g of macadamia nuts contains:
Energy 3,242 kJ / 786 kcal
Fats 76 g
of which saturated fatty acids 12 g
of which monounsaturated fatty acids 59 g
of which polyunsaturated fatty acids 2 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
of which sugars 6 g
Fiber 9 g
Protein 8 g
Salt 0 g
In addition, they contain vitamin E, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
What are the effects of macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts have a positive effect on the strength of bones, joints and teeth, support the immune system, digestion and even help in the treatment of skin diseases.
This is also the reason why these nuts have found their permanent place not only in the food industry, but also in the cosmetics industry, where they are used to produce high-quality macadamia oil. It is used in the treatment of scars, stretch marks, and also helps restore damaged cells.
Like most nuts, macadamia nuts are a great source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can cause cell damage and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.
Additionally, macadamia nuts boast the highest levels of flavonoids of all tree nuts. This antioxidant fights inflammation and helps lower cholesterol levels .
Despite being high in calories, macadamia nuts can help you lose weight.
This can be partly explained by its protein and fiber content, two nutrients known to reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
Macadamia nuts and dogs.
Finally, we have one more interesting fact for you: macadamia nuts are harmful to dogs.
Just 12 hours after consuming them, dogs may experience weakness and even paralysis of the hind limbs and an inability to stand.
