 |
Macadamia nuts are sweet and crunchy and make a good addition to salads, stews, rice dishes, and desserts.
Thought to have originated in Australia, macadamia nuts were made popular in the late 1800s by Ferdinand van Mueller, a European who named the nut after Australian naturalist John Macadam. Also called Queensland nuts, macadamias have been eaten since ancient times by aborigines and have only been in widespread use since the early twentieth century.
There are approximately six varieties of macadamia trees that grow in hot humid climates. The round beige nut has a thick hard shell, although some varieties have been developed in recent years with a softer shell. Australia and Hawaii are the leading producers of macadamia nuts.
Since macadamia nuts are hard to open, they are most often available shelled. When purchased unshelled, they can be opened with a special nutcracker designed for macadamia nuts or with a hammer.
Macadamia nuts are sweet, with a flavor similar to coconut or Brazil nuts. They are also crunchy and make a good addition to salads, stews, rice dishes, and desserts. Chocolate covered macadamia nuts are often sold as a rich confection.
Macadamia nuts, 10–12 kernels (1 oz.)
Calories: 204
Protein: 2.2g
Carbohydrate: 3.9g
Total Fat: 21.5g
Fiber: 2.4g
*Good source of: Thiamine (0.34mg)
*Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found in many foods. Most, but not all, studies have found that high dietary or blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid are high in almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
Health benefits and
concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and
seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns
for nuts and seeds for a full description.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.