*Macadamias are the nuts of the macadamia trees. There are about nine species of the genus Proteaceae, of which only 2 species are commercially important (Macademia integrifolia, Macademia tetraphylla). It is a tree native to Australia, and Indonesia region.

*They are called the ‘world's finest nuts’.

*They are also known by other names like Macadamia nut, Australian nut, Queensland nut, Bush nut, Maroochi nut and Bauple nut; Indigenous Australian names include Kindal Kindal and Jindilli.

*The macadamia nut's kernel is extremely hard to mine out of its shell.

* Macadamia nuts are eaten raw or dry roasted; also used to make an edible bland salad oil.

*They are characterized by their crisp texture, delicate flavor, great taste, versatility of use and long shelf life.

*Store them in a clean, dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place.

*Number of nuts per serving is 10-12.

Are they raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because the macadamia nuts at the supermarkets are sometimes roasted and salted. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Macadamias are rich in macadamia oil, which is very stable and high levels of nutritionally important monounsaturated fatty acids, higher than that in olive oil and canola oil; and highest known level of palmitoleic acid.

2. Naturally they are free of cholesterol and trans fats.

3. Eating macadamias regularly lowers the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and increasing the good HDL cholesterol, thus protecting against cardiovascular diseases.

4. Perhaps the most unique use reported for macadamia nuts is in the treatment of sexual phobia, and are used on sexual tonics.

5. Macadamia oil is used in the cosmetic industry, because of the presence of high amounts of palmitoleic acid and its high oxidative stability. It is refined to a cream or massaging oil. It has a silky, non-greasy feel.

6. They are very good sources of protein and has all the essential amino acids.

7. They are low in sodium, if not otherwise salted.

8. Macadamias facilitate the body's manufacture of essential fatty acids and eicosanoids (prostaglandins etc).

9. Good sources of dietary fiber, which promotes satiety, provides roughage, slows digestion and reduces hunger, promotes useful intestinal bacteria, and reduces constipation.

10. Rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for proper metabolism and production of energy.

11. Regular macadamia nut consumption may help weight loss and maintenance.

12. The various phytochemicals, selenium and vitamin E are the natural antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals that oxidize fats, thus protecting our body.