Among the wide variety of nuts, macadamia fruits are distinguished by a large list of nutrients. They have a positive effect on many areas of the human body, but they can also cause allergic reactions. What is this nut and is it possible to eat it, we will analyze in this article.
What is Macadamia?
It is a fairly large tree that reaches 15 meters in height. Historical habitat – various regions of Australia. The tree prefers fertile soil rich in various microelements. Macadamia fruits (those same nuts) appear a few years after the first shoots appear. On average, it takes about 10 years until the first fruiting, while the yield is about 100 kilograms of nuts.
There are many legends and business relationships associated with macadamia. In ancient times, the Australian aborigines considered these nuts to be sacred. When Europeans penetrated the continent, they were struck by the unprecedented taste of the nut. Since then, the fruit of the tree has become a valuable product as well as an expensive commodity.
Cultivation of macadamia
As soon as the nut was “tasted” in wide circles, its deliveries to large continents, in particular, Europe, began. The peculiarity of receiving this product was that the collection was carried out manually. This circumstance did not allow for a large harvest in a short time, and, as a result, led to a strong rise in price. As a result, walnut has long been considered a delicacy for the wealthy.
For the purpose of trade, the Australians launched massive plantings of hazel. The trees were counted in many thousands, since the sale of nuts proved to be extremely profitable. The invention of a specialized fruit picking machine was of particular importance. Thanks to the mechanization of labor, harvesting has accelerated significantly, which is why the cost of the nut has slightly decreased. This happened not so long ago, because the car was created in the 70s of the 20th century.
Nutritional Facts of Macadamia Nuts
Fruit studies have shown that they are not only delicious, but also very healthy. Nuts contain a large amount of essential oils, vitamins B and PP… The composition of the fats isolated by the researchers from the fruits was surprised by the presence of palmitoleic acid. It is part of the human skin, but it is not found in almost any previously known plant.
Macadamia nuts are high in calories. They taste like hazelnuts and can even be used instead in dishes. The nutty taste is soft, creamy. It smells a little milk and has a little sweetness.
Useful properties of macadamia nuts
For several centuries, the fruits of the macadamia tree have been used by humans. They are used in a wide variety of forms: whole, ground, fried, dried, etc. One of the classic treats that these nuts make are whole kernels drenched in caramel or chocolate.
Like hazelnuts, macadamia nuts are actively used in the production of confectionery. It’s expensive, but there are such goodies in the premium segment. The fruits can be added to salads, including seafood. They are also eaten raw.
It is believed that these nuts are able to give strength, help relieve headaches, eliminate migraines, normalize metabolism and improve skin condition. They are used to remove excess cholesterol from the body, as a prophylactic agent for diseases of the cardiovascular system.
In addition, the nut is successfully used in the treatment of tonsillitis, meningitis, arthrosis. It has the property of strengthening bones, relieves joint pain, strengthens ligaments.
As mentioned above, macadamia fruits are rich in essential oils. They are also mined and used. Walnut oil is used in the treatment of complex second-degree burns, to remove toxins from the body, as well as in cosmetology.
Returning to the use of nuts for food, one cannot but mention their dietary value. Many nutritionists advise those wishing to lose weight to eat macadamia fruits as a source of energy. Replacing some of the “full” meals with a few nuts, the body gets enough calories, but this does not contribute to weight gain.
Harm from macadamia
Since this nut is quite rare and you cannot buy it in the nearest store, there are rumors around it. Some of them speak of extreme harm. Numerous studies have shown that, against the background of many beneficial properties, the fruits do not have any negative effects on the human body.
