Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts come from plants belonging to the family of Proteaceae. These plants are native to some parts in Australia and to other countries as well. These plants where we get macadamia nuts are small to big evergreen trees reaching up to six to forty feet. These plants have been named after John Macadam, as it was he who first did a description of these plants. Presently, Australia is the globe's number one commercial producer of macadamia nuts - producing around 40,000 tonnes of macadamia nuts a year.

Composition of macadamia nuts

Have you ever wondered what comprises these macadamia nuts? Macadamia nuts have the biggest amount of monosaturated fats, more than any kind of nut in the world. Macadamia nuts consist of 9 percent protein, 9 percent carbohydrates, 2 percent dietary fibers and small amounts of niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, iron, selenium, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The oil of macadamia nuts is valued for having about 22% of Omega-7 palmitoleic acid. This oil plus the oxidative qualities of macadamia nuts make macadamia oil an essential ingredient in skin care products.

Other interesting facts about macadamia nuts

Actually, macadamia Nuts possess a flavor akin to Brazilian nuts because of their crunchy texture. Thus, macadamia nuts are usually added to rice dishes and salads to balance the texture of these foods in the palate. Also, the shells of macadamia nuts are very hard, but they could be cracked open with a rock or hammer. Those who buy uncooked macadamia nuts make it a point to buy macadamia nut crackers. Macadamia nuts are not actually picked from their trees. Harvesters of macadamia nuts would have to wait for them to fall to the ground.

Macadamia nuts are not for your dog. Dogs and other pets should not be given macadamia nuts because doing so can lead to macadamia nut toxicosis. Pet dogs, when given macadamia nuts, can become weak for days.

One of the most popular snacks with nuts is the chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. These macadamia nuts are stored in boxes, making them ideal as gift items. Australia is one of the biggest makers of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.

Buying and storing macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are usually sold shelled, whether roasted or raw. Macadamia nuts stored in vacuum-packed bottles/cans would remain fresh for a longer time. Shelled macadamia nuts could be stored in the refrigerator (if in a sealed container) for about two months, while the unshelled kind would keep for close to a year.