Macadamia: What is it?
The macadamia nut is a round-shaped dried fruit with a diameter of approximately 2 cm. It has a highly dense peel and a characteristic vanilla smell. Although it is currently cultivated in several tropical countries, the tree is of Australian origin. Macadamia nuts taste similar to hazelnuts, slightly sweeter and more tender in texture; some even dare to compare them to vanilla and chocolate.
The macadamia nutshell is so hard that a particular metal key is often needed to open it. The key is inserted into the body’s cut, and then it is turned since the bark is broken into two halves. Macadamia can be eaten as a healthy snack or combined with desserts, including some types of chocolate.
Macadamia nuts can be purchased both peeled and shelled. The price in its skinned version is approximately 8 euros per 100 g. It is essential to know that the kernels of the fruit can quickly oxidize and absorb moisture. Macadamia nuts should be stored in an airtight container at all times.
Nutritional properties and benefits
The nutritional properties of macadamia nuts stand out for their high fiber, vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fatty acids. They are one of the top nuts in the amount of total fat (and in calories): 100 g of grains contain 75-80 g of fatty acids and 720 KCal.
Other nutritional properties of macadamia are its high content of vitamin E and a relatively rare compound in plant foods: Omega-7. The proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats do not allow classifying macadamia nuts as a superfood. However, like other nuts, they are recommended in a healthy diet in smaller quantities.
Nutritional value of macadamia nuts – (100 g) ¹:
Calories – 720 kcal
Protein – 7.9 g
Total Fat – 75.8 g
Total Carbohydrates – 14.2 g
Sugars – 4.6 g
Dietary Fiber – 8.6 g
Vitamin and mineral content
Macadamia nuts are rich in manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium. They also provide vitamins of the B group and vitamin E. As for phytonutrients, it is not a food that stands out. It is even inferior to other nuts.²
Macadamia nuts – Vitamins and minerals (in 100 g) ¹:
Manganese: 207%
Magnesium – 33%
Hierro – 20%
Phosphorus – 19%
Zinc – 9%
Calcium – 9%
Selenium – 5%
Vitamin B1 – 104%
Vitamin E – 3%
Vitamin C – 2%
Macadamia contraindications
Like walnuts, macadamia can cause allergies in people with overreaction to some of its components. If you have never tried this product before, eating a unit and observing the body’s reaction is recommended.
Macadamia is strictly prohibited as a dog food². Even a tiny amount of the product can cause severe poisoning in these animals. Symptoms of poisoning are high fever, vomiting, and loss of ability to move.
Recipes with macadamia
Macadamia nuts are versatile foods that add a prominent flavor to your regular recipes. Just a tiny amount of this fruit gives the dish a delicate creamy chocolate and vanilla flavor. In addition, they go well with coffee, dark chocolate, ice cream, fruit salads, and even for the preparation of fruit smoothies.
When baked, macadamia nuts acquire a crunchy texture; desserts and sweet cakes will not leave adults or children indifferent. However, we recall once again that the calorie content of these nuts is similar to that of butter. So they should be included in recipes in moderate amounts.
Vegan Macadamia and White Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ghee butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup of muscovado sugar or 7 g of stevia
- One tablespoon of ground chia seeds
- 50 mL oat milk
- Five ccs of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- One teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ cup macadamia nuts, chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
PreparationMix the ghee, butter, and sugar ( stevia ) with a mixer. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Let the chia and oat milk stand for 10 minutes and add to the mixture in a separate container. Pour the flour little by little, the baking powder, and the salt. Knead carefully until a compact consistency is achieved. Add the white chocolate and macadamia nuts. Cook in a preheated 180 ° C oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Macadamia nuts are hard-shelled nuts with distinctive vanilla and creamy, chocolate-like flavor. The nutritional properties are similar to those of hazelnuts and almonds; the presence of magnesium and Omega-7 stands out. Macadamia is a versatile food and can be included in various recipes.
