Homeland and distribution of macadamia nut
Macadamia is an Australian tree that grows mainly in the state of Queensland, where the rainforest zone is located. In such a climate, the crop grows for 8 years until the fruits - macadamia nuts - begin to appear on it.
The fruit's homeland gave it other names, such as Queensland or Australian nut. Interestingly, the indigenous people of Australia call macadamia quindal-kindal, mullimbimby and boomera. A couple of centuries ago, nuts served as currency for local peoples - they were used to pay instead of money.
Homeland and distribution of macadamia nut
The first to discover the amazing properties of the tree was Ferdinand von Müller, a botanist who studied the Australian flora. Describing an unusual plant with tasty fruits, he decided to name the crop “macadamia” in honor of his friend, MD John Mac Adam.
The Australian tree has taken root well in the Hawaiian Islands, where it was brought after its discovery. Macadamia trees grow up to 15 m, and they bear fruit annually for 100 years. The ripening period for nuts is 7 months. In the 20th century The area under macadamia cultivation has expanded significantly.
Since the 80s it is grown not only in its homeland in Australia and Hawaii, but also in other parts of the world with hot climates:
- New Zealand;
- SOUTH AFRICA;
- Malawi;
- China;
- Kenya;
- Paraguay;
- Jamaica;
- Zimbabwe;
- Costa Rica;
- USA (California);
- Mexico;
- Vietnam;
- Brazil.
Despite this, Hawaiian macadamia plantations are considered the largest in the world. They cover an area of about 82 km2. Since the 70s. XX century The production of nuts is rapidly increasing, and today about 50 tons of fruits are obtained from the trees annually. The amount of harvest is influenced by the climate of the area where the crop grows, as well as the composition of the soil.
Homeland and distribution of macadamia nut
Strong ocean winds and hurricanes cause great damage to macadamia farms. Australian trees produce about 50 kg of fruit, while Hawaiian trees produce more than 130 kg. Currently, 9 types of trees are grown in the world, 2 of which are used for industrial purposes. These are three-leaf and four-leaf macadamia. They differ in the taste of the nuts themselves and the thickness of the shell.
The most delicious varieties are considered:
- Teddington;
- Kakea;
- Keaau;
- Sewell;
- Beaumont;
- Keauhou;
- Ebony;
- Collard;
- Ikaika;
- Howard.
The nuts are small in size, which makes them difficult to collect. The maximum number of fruits that can be manually obtained in 1 working day is 150 kg. Thanks to the use of special agricultural machines, this amount increases to 3 tons.
Description of the nut
The homeland of the macadamia nut is Australia, where five species of macadamia trees grow; other types of plants are grown in South America, California, New Zealand, China, Hawaii and African countries.
The main suppliers of macadamia nuts are the USA and Hawaii. Macadamia is considered a long-lived tree and can produce a generous harvest for a hundred years. As a rule, a tree begins to bear fruit only at 7-8 years of age. And abundant fruiting should be expected only in the tenth year of the plant’s life.
- From one tree you can collect one hundred kilograms of good quality fruit.
- Macadamia fruits (nuts) take a very long time to ripen, about 6-7 months.
- Macadamia nuts have a regularly rounded shape, their size is 1.5-2 centimeters in diameter, the shell is very thick and hard.
In unripe fruits, the outer shell has a green tint; as it ripens, it turns brown and a crack appears on it, through which you can see the nut itself in the shell. The nut shell is very hard and dark brown in color.
The nut kernels are round in shape, their surface is smooth, and the color is light beige. The structure of the nut kernels is oily and slightly crumbly. The taste is sweet, with a creamy aftertaste. Macadamia nuts resemble hazelnuts in appearance and taste.
Macadamia nut - where and how it grows: video
Composition and calorie content
Australian macadamia nuts are among the healthiest in the world. Their high cost is dictated not only by their rarity and production difficulties, but also by their unique beneficial properties, which are worth their weight in gold.
Nutritional value of macadamia:
- fats – 80%;
- proteins – 8%;
- carbohydrates – 4%.
Composition and calorie content
The calorie content of the product is 700 kcal per 100 g of nuts. Macadamia nuts contain ash substances, fiber and about 10% sugars (lactose, fructose). Water and starch are present in nuts in small quantities.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have the main value:
- myristic acid – 0.9%;
- palmitoleic acid – 20%;
- stearic acid – 4%;
- oleic acid – 60%;
- linoleic acid – 1.6%;
- palmitic acid – 9%;
- arachidonic acid – 2.6%.
Component | Content per 100 g of product, mg |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 1,3 |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0,2 |
Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 2,5 |
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0,6 |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0,3 |
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 0,0011 |
Vitamin K | 365 |
Vitamin C | 1,3 |
Vitamin E | 0,54 |
Iron | 375 |
Sodium | 6 |
Magnesium | 135 |
Potassium | 370 |
Phosphorus | 190 |
Calcium | 87 |
Manganese | 4,1 |
Copper | 0,0756 |
Zinc | 1,3 |
Selenium | 0,0036 |
Useful properties of the plant
Due to their composition rich in vitamins and beneficial microelements, macadamia nuts are recommended to be included in the daily diet. This product has the best effect on all body systems.
- First of all, it is worth saying that macadamia nuts are famous for their high content of essential oils , which are used not only in cosmetic procedures, but are also very necessary for the normal functioning of our body. Essential oils perform anti-inflammatory, antiseptic functions, help fight pathogens and various infections.
- In addition, macadamia nut oil is extremely rich in B vitamins . These vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes, synthesize red blood cells and hemoglobin, and also improve the functioning of the nervous system.
- Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), contained in the composition, helps the body break down fats, as well as absorb food faster and more efficiently and nourish cells and tissues. This element is extremely useful for the functioning of the immune system.
- Macadamia nuts are rich in vitamin E , as well as healthy fats. Therefore, the product is especially useful for women, as it improves the functioning of their reproductive system and has a very beneficial effect on the health and condition of hair and skin.
- Minerals and vitamins contained in the composition have a positive effect on the brain, improving mental activity and promoting the development of speed of thinking, memory, and attention. The product will be useful during intense mental stress.
- macadamia nut oil for cosmetic purposes ; it is recommended for the treatment of dry and dry skin, for the improvement of brittle and weak hair prone to hair loss and split ends.
- Potassium and magnesium in the composition are extremely beneficial for the health and tone of the cardiovascular system . These substances strengthen the heart muscle, cleanse blood vessels and speed up the movement of blood throughout the body. The risk of heart and vascular diseases is also significantly reduced.
- The nut is rich in antioxidants , which help the immune system fight cancer and various other ailments.
- Calcium, phosphorus and carotene have an excellent effect on the health and condition of bones, teeth, have a beneficial effect on vision, significantly reducing the risk of eye diseases, as well as problems of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular consumption of macadamia fruits improves the functioning of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract.
- Macadamia nuts have a very high calorie content - 800 kcal per 100 g of product . Therefore, the fruit perfectly satisfies, satisfies hunger for a long time and can be useful for weight gain. It is also recommended for people with underweight, as well as those who engage in intense physical activity.
Benefits of macadamia nut
Australian macadamia nuts have many health benefits. They help the body in the fight against diseases and some pathological conditions.
Benefits of macadamia nut
Among the healing qualities of nuts are the following:
- soothe migraines and headaches;
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- have antioxidant properties and slow down the aging of the body;
- reduce the risk of tumors;
- strengthen bone tissue and prevent bone diseases;
- normalize glycemic levels;
- have a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
- relieve irritability, neurotic symptoms, depression;
- tone the body after physical and mental stress;
- prevent seasonal vitamin deficiency;
- have a positive effect on joints and help with arthritis;
- remove heavy metals and cholesterol from the body;
- normalize blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes;
- have a good effect on the circulatory system and help with anemia;
- improve metabolism and fat metabolism.
Doctors especially recommend macadamia nuts for older people. With their help, you can normalize blood pressure, prevent coronary heart disease and vascular diseases.
For women
For women, Australian nuts help cope with the unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as short temper, swelling of the mammary glands and nagging pain in the lower abdomen. To do this, it is enough to eat only 2-5 fruits per day.
It is useful for women to eat macadamia while they are expecting a baby. The components of the nuclei do an excellent job of treating varicose veins and have a beneficial effect on the development of the embryo in the womb. It is important not to exceed your daily allowance of nuts per day. The high calorie content of the product negatively affects weight and can lead to obesity.
For men
Macadamia nuts are extremely beneficial for representatives of the stronger sex. With the help of the product, men can get rid of problems with the prostate gland and prevent the appearance of tumors in this organ. Fruits support the health of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.
This is especially important for people experiencing problems with potency. Regular consumption of macadamia will relieve this phenomenon. Australian nuts are rich in the microelement zinc, which is also used to improve the health of the reproductive system. It helps improve the quality of ejaculate and promotes conception.
For children
Due to the high content of vitamins, microelements and fatty acids, macadamia nuts are ideal for a growing body. Australian fruits help boost a child’s immunity, and during colds they can speed up recovery. In addition, nuts have a positive effect on the proper development of bones and prevent rickets and osteoporosis.
For children
When introducing macadamia into a children's menu, it is important to monitor the amount of fruit consumed. For a child over 3 years old, it is enough to eat 2-3 nuts at breakfast. An excess of fat can lead not only to excess weight gain, but also to disruption of the digestive tract, in particular to liver pathologies.
Why macadamia nuts are dangerous for dogs
Macadamia nuts are dangerous for dogs. It is prohibited to give it to animals either in its natural form or as part of other dishes. If the nut gets into your dog's food, it can be fatal. To date, the causes of such side effects have not been fully established.
As a rule, after eating macadamia nuts, animals experience weakness in their paws, vomiting and diarrhea may begin. In most cases, these negative effects may be mild and can therefore be eliminated at home under the guidance of a specialist. If your dog is severely unwell, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet starts to feel feverish, develops a high temperature, or the animal cannot stand on its paws, hospitalization is necessary.
Because macadamia nuts are a high-fat food, dogs may experience inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If your pet is vomiting, has no appetite, or has a lower than normal activity level within three days of eating macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Video:
what not to feed your dog Expand
Benefits of macadamia oil
Australian macadamia nuts are also used to make oil. Fruit squeezing is extremely useful and is often used for cosmetic purposes. The composition of the product is very similar to natural sebum, so the oil is used to create creams and serums, and also replaces makeup removers.
The peculiarity of Macadamia oil is that it is hypoallergenic and has no contraindications. The product is able to reduce the negative impact of the environment on the epidermis and protect cells from free radicals.
The high fat content of the oil is valued in the care of dry and aging skin. It perfectly nourishes, moisturizes and gives elasticity. Shampoos, masks and hair balms are also made with macadamia oil. After their use, lifeless and dull curls gain strength, natural radiance and smoothness.
Benefits of macadamia oil
In addition, the product is known to help in the treatment of such ailments as:
- keratosis;
- dandruff;
- dermatitis;
- hyperpigmentation;
- allergic rashes.
Macadamia oil compresses help get rid of scars, scars, and heal burn marks. The squeeze of Australian nuts is used for cellulite, makes the skin smooth and copes with stretch marks.
How to use it correctly
Australian nuts best reveal their positive properties when consumed raw. Roasted fruits may lose some of their beneficial properties. Like other nuts, macadamia nuts are recommended to be soaked in water for several hours. This procedure helps remove substances from the nuclei that cause bloating and gas formation.
How to use it correctly
Macadamia nuts have a pleasant creamy taste, a bit like hazelnuts or Brazil nuts. It is acceptable if the fruit tastes like chocolate, spices or vanilla. Macadamia nuts can be eaten as a separate dish or snack, or added to desserts and baked goods. Some people prefer to flavor meat and fish with nuts. The kernels go well with vegetable and green salads.
Lovers of unusual tastes add fruits to red and white wine, cheeses and coffee. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the composition of the nuts. It may contain sugar and vanilla. This means that the macadamia may have been boiled in sugar syrup. It is best to purchase fruits without seasonings.
Video on how to make tincture from shells
The author of the video decided to conduct an experiment and made a tincture from the shells. You can use either vodka or moonshine as a base. And to enhance the taste, caramel and vanilla sugar are added.
The infusion took place for one week, and the result was a tincture that smelled and tasted like good cognac. In total, the shells of 5 nuts were used.
However, I won’t tell you. Watch the video, it explains and shows everything perfectly.
Not bad..., before, moonshine was infused with nutmeg, but it was still quite difficult to overcome the characteristic smell. But macadamia succeeded. It’s not for nothing that the product is called the “king”!
And in conclusion, I want to say a few words about how to choose nuts when purchasing.
Inspect the shell carefully. It should have a uniform color. Also, there should be no drips or traces of mold on its surface.
Shake the nut, if it doesn’t hang around too much inside, it means it’s not overdried and has retained its slightly crunchy texture and taste. Don't buy too much at once. The product is expensive, and if the purchase is unsuccessful, you will be sorry for the money spent. It’s better to buy a little, try it, and if everything suits you, then you can repeat the purchase in the same place, and from the same manufacturer.
Friends, if you have never tried macadamia before, then definitely try it. The magnificent, unusual and unlike anything else taste will delight you. And you will be able to fully enjoy all its royal qualities.
Bon appetit!
Author of the publication
offline 4 months
How to open
Australian nuts have a very strong shell. After the kernels ripen, it cracks and the fruits fall to the ground. To open the macadamia, you need to get rid of the tough shell. It is easiest to crack nuts that have been chilled in the freezer for about 2 hours.
How to open
In large productions, the fruits are usually additionally cut to make the cleaning process easier for customers. Most often, the package of nuts contains a special “key” for opening the shell. It is a T-shaped plastic or metal device. If such a knife is not available, you can use improvised means.
You should hold the nut between the pliers and hit it with a hammer or heavy object. After the shell cracks, it is necessary to remove the edible core. Even though shelled macadamia nuts are difficult to open, these nuts will provide more benefits than pre-shelled ones.
Should it be fried?
Australian macadamia nuts do not require toasting. On the contrary, all the beneficial properties of the product are most fully revealed when the fruit is consumed raw. However, some people find roasted nuts tastier and prefer to cook them.
To preserve maximum benefits, macadamia nuts should be roasted in the oven at low temperature (about 110°C) for 10 minutes. First you need to cover the baking sheet with parchment or foil, and after finishing the cooking process, the nuts must be immediately transferred to another container. This is done to ensure that the kernels do not burn out on a hot baking sheet.
Role in weight loss
Due to the fact that macadamia nuts are high in fat and calorie content, consuming the product for weight loss is not rational.
Australian fruits will be useful when it comes to the overall health of the body. With a healthy diet and regular exercise, macadamia nuts can help you lose weight by improving your metabolism and fat metabolism. Fruits remove heavy metals, toxins and excess cholesterol from the body.
Role in weight loss
The result can be improved if you eat sweet Australian nuts instead of flour and high-calorie desserts. Moreover, according to the observations of lovers of healthy foods, fruits reduce cravings for sweets. To ensure that the use of macadamia does not harm the body, you should not eat more than 5-10 kernels per day. Otherwise, all the positive qualities of the product will not be fully revealed.
Macadamia in cosmetology
The most extensive area of application of macadamia is cosmetology. To improve the appearance, macadamia oil in the form of oil is added to industrial cosmetics, as well as homemade products. Crushed nut kernels are used only to create scrubs for the face and body. They help to gently and gently cleanse the skin of dead particles and give it smoothness.
Macadamia is used for dry and aging skin. The product is used for:
- lightening pigmentation;
- hydration;
- toning;
- epidermal tightening;
- relieving inflammation;
- reducing irritation.
Macadamia works best in hair care. Despite its fat content, Australian nut oil is very light and is perfectly absorbed into the scalp and strands. You can apply the fruit squeeze to both dry and wet hair. The product is suitable for ends and the entire length of curls.
Macadamia in cosmetology
Macadamia oil is indispensable for dry scalp, dandruff and seborrhea. Saturated fatty acids are nourishing and stimulate normal sebum production, which helps promote healthy hair follicles. The oil also promotes hair growth and treats dull, damaged and lifeless hair.
To do this, you need to massage with warm oil 2 times a week:
- Heat the oil to 40-50°C in a water bath.
- Comb your hair along the entire length.
- Apply oil to scalp and massage for 10-15 minutes.
- Distribute the remaining oil over the entire length of the hair.
- After 1-2 hours, wash your hair with shampoo and dry it naturally.
To enhance the effect, you can add 0.5-1 tsp. macadamia fruit squeezed into shampoo or hair conditioner. After massage and oil masks, curls become silky, manageable and elastic.
Macadamia oil: beneficial properties and applications
Macadamia oil can reduce triglycerides, increase energy levels, support heart health, bone health, improve digestion, prevent chronic diseases, stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Beneficial features:
- Provides energy.
Macadamia oil provides the body with a lot of energy. But it is worth noting that this product must be consumed in moderation, since failure to comply with the norm can lead to obesity. - Benefits for vision.
The oil contains antioxidants that help improve eye health and prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. - Benefits for the skin.
Antioxidants have a vital impact on skin health. Squalene contained in the oil prevents the occurrence of age spots and wrinkles. - Acts as a humectant.
Macadamia oil is an ideal moisturizer for men after shaving. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin. - Hair health.
Macadamia nut oil helps add shine to hair and also strengthens hair follicles, reducing hair loss. - Improves the health and appearance of lips.
It heals chapped lips and reduces inflammation of wounds and ulcers.
Application:
- as a skin lotion;
- as a hair mask;
- as a food product;
- massage product;
- remedy for burns.
Before using macadamia oil, it is advisable to undergo an allergy test. Apply a small amount of oil to the skin and allow it to be completely absorbed. If redness or irritation occurs, it is better to discard this product.
Video:
Macadamia oil: production, properties and benefits Expand
Product contraindications
Although Australian nuts have many health benefits, in some cases their consumption may have negative health effects. A very high calorie content of the product and the percentage of fat can lead to weight gain, as well as problems with the pancreas, liver and gall bladder.
When eating macadamia nuts, it is worth remembering that you either need to eat a very small amount of the product, or review the menu and reduce the percentage of fats coming from other foods. In addition, nuts are not recommended for people with allergies or individual intolerance to the fruit.
Product contraindications
You should use nuts with caution:
- children under 3 years old;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- people on a low-fat diet;
- during exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Despite the benefits of the nut for diabetics, people with this disease need to carefully check the composition of the product.
For type 2 diabetes, you can only eat fruits that have not been heat-treated in sugar syrup. Dog owners need to pay attention to ensure that their four-legged friends do not accidentally eat macadamia fruits. Walnut kernels are toxic to dogs and can cause irreparable harm to their health.
Contraindications and harm
Macadamia can be both beneficial and harmful. To avoid harming yourself, you need to check whether you are allergic to macadamia nuts. When allergies occur:
- rash,
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- itchy nose,
- swelling,
- the person may suffocate.
If an illness appears, you should consult a doctor and exclude nuts from your diet; with prolonged use, they can cause anaphylactic shock with a fatal outcome.
We can conclude that macadamia fruit can bring a lot of benefits and virtually no harm if used wisely. There will be benefits for the body, digestion, and beauty.
Where to buy king nuts?
Recently, macadamia nuts can often be seen on the shelves of any large supermarkets. They are usually packaged in plastic containers and sold in 100-200 g quantities. Most often, Australian fruits are found in specialized health food stores or in online stores.
It is preferable to purchase nuts in vacuum packaging, but if this is not possible, you need to carefully inspect the product. The shell should have a uniform shade, without any mold or dark spots. The smell of fresh fruits is sweetish and nutty. The most important thing is to shake the Australian nut. If the kernel knocks on the walls of the shell, the fruit has dried out and spoiled.
When buying king nuts, you should pay attention to the expiration date, as dishonest sellers can pass off rancid fruits as fresh. The price of high-quality macadamia kernels varies from 1,700 to 2,500 thousand rubles. depending on the region of sale and type of product.
Macadamia - what kind of nuts are they, where do they grow?
Macadamia is the highest calorie and most expensive representative among its fellows. And if the first is given to him by nature itself, then the second is explained by the fact that it cannot be grown in our region. And where it grows, the fruits are difficult to obtain; they are collected almost by hand.
Macadamia is not too capricious to grow and can tolerate temperatures up to +3 degrees. The main problem in its cultivation is hurricane winds, which easily break tall trees. Strong winds can destroy entire plantations.
The height of the trees is about 15 meters. Their leaves are smooth and leathery. If you plant such a tree, then at 7-10 years of age it will begin to produce a harvest. It can then bear fruit for 100 years, producing one every year. Its fruits ripen in 6-7 months. Their ripening period varies depending on the place of growth, and occurs between March and September.
The yield from each tree can range from 45 to 135 kg. It depends on the place of growth, climatic conditions and other factors.
This plant began to be actively planted in the 80s of the 20th century in Australia, New Zealand and Africa. There are also plantations in China and South America. But the largest growing center today is in the USA, on the Hawaiian Islands, and it is growing more and more every year.
So, in the 2000s, more than 26 thousand tons of this fruit were produced, and the quantity increases every year. And today its production has increased significantly, and this is already quite an impressive figure - 50 thousand tons annually!
The nuts are usually perfectly round, no more than 2 cm in diameter. When unpeeled, the shell is surrounded by a greenish-brown shell. Separating the nucleolus from the shell can be quite difficult.
How to store macadamia
To preserve the beneficial properties of nuts, you need to know how to store them correctly. The most important rule is to keep macadamia nuts in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed plastic or glass container. The fruits even tolerate freezing. In this case, they need to be wrapped in foil in advance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gXC-GnEw8s
Such measures are taken due to the high fat content of the kernels. In contact with oxygen and heat, fats oxidize. This leads to spoilage of the product, as the nuts acquire an unpleasant rancid taste. Macadamia nuts can be stored in the refrigerator for 12 months, but when packing the nuts in a vacuum, this period is reduced to six months.
Australian nuts are a delicious food that can benefit the entire body. Eating macadamia nuts will help get rid of the symptoms of many diseases, and the amazing taste of the kernels will add a piquant touch to various dishes and desserts.