Macadamia nuts are rich, flavorful nuts native to the continent of Australia, although they are also cultivated in Hawaii. These nuts made an important traditional food source for native Australians, who called them Jindilli or Kindal Kindal nuts. Macadamia nuts can be found in many markets, although they tend to be expensive. They are almost always found shelled, which means that they should be carefully stored so that they do not become rancid. Severalsuppliers also ship macadamia nuts directly to consumers.
The macadamia genus includes eight species, two of which produce nuts which are a viable food source. John Macadam was the first to describe the genus, and by scientific convention, it was named for him. This genus of flowering trees is found in the family Proteaceae, and most of them actually produce poisonous or inedible nuts. Macadamia trees with food value have been cultivated for over one hundred years, and several farmers have produced distinct cultivars with unique traits such as particularly large or flavorful nuts.
Benefits of Macadamia
Macadamia nuts provide a wide range of beneficial compounds. They are a high energy food, full of protein and fiber and loaded with other important nutrients that, in concert, impact favorably on human health.
- Antioxidants
- Fiber
- Phytochemicals
- Protein
- Minerals
- Monounsaturated fats
- Vitamins
