Fascinating Facts - Macadamia Nuts
- Macadamia nuts are small buttery-flavored nuts cultivated from macadamia nut trees that are grown in tropical climates with volcanic soil like Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, New Zealand and South Africa.
- Although Australia is the largest producer of macadamias, nuts from Hawaii are internationally acclaimed delicacies.
- Macadamia nuts are not picked from the tree but are fully ripened when they fall and are then harvested.
- Macadamia nuts have sweet taste and are rich source of energy, provide about 718 cal/100 g, one of the highest among nuts.
- The nuts are packed with many contain many health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
- 100 g of macadamia provides 8.6 g of dietary fiber and good source of phytosterols and beta-sitosterols but contains no cholesterol.
- Macadamia are free in gluten and, therefore are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas. These formula preparations are in fact healthy alternatives in people with wheat food allergy and celiac disease.
- The nuts are rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty like oleic acid (18:1) and palmitoleic acids (16:1).
- The nuts are excellent source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. 100 g nuts provide 3.6 mcg of selenium.
- They are also rich in many important B-complex vitamins, vital for body functions.
- The nuts are also containing small amounts of vitamin-C, vitamin E.