In the family of nuts, macadamia nuts are nearly as valued as gold. These exotic, delicious nuts together with their oil and rich flavor are deemed as special delicacies and are always served as dessert nuts. During the holiday season, macadamia nuts are also one of the most popular gifts. They are esteemed as keepsakes from Hawaii, and, nowadays, macadamia nuts have made a lot of afternoons at the local mall brighter.

Throughout the Macadamia trees’ life, they have the ability to produce.  However, these trees grow slowly. The demand for Macadamia nuts has surpassed the ability of the growers to produce them. As a result, growers in several other nations such as New Zealand, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Guatemala Israel, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico have started planting huge orchards. In the USA, Florida and California shows off macadamia nuts, together with Hawaii.

Macadamia Nuts and Its Health Benefits

Macadamia nuts are a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus and Vitamin B. While macadamia nuts contain high calories because they have 73-80% fat, you need to realize that it is monounsaturated fat or "good fat" which may actually help decrease bad cholesterol and is acceptable like olive oil in several diets. Although macadamia nuts have a lot of healthy benefits, their uniquely rich flavor, crunchiness and co-mingling with chocolate in an abundance of forms make them the most favorite among snackers and gourmets alike. Since good taste is in style at all times, the future of macadamia nut is indeed promising.

In addition, macadamia nuts are an exceptional choice for diets that are low in carbohydrate with just 4 grams net carbs in every half-cup serving. 

Macadamia nuts are also a good source of potassium and magnesium. Also, they contain iron, copper, niacin, thiamine, zinc and phosphorus. 

Buying Macadamia Nuts

Shelled macadamia nuts are approximately the size of a marble and have an abundant, sweet, buttery, subtle flavor that can be enjoyed in both savory dishes and desserts.

Because the shell is too hard to break, you can always avail them always shelled in the market, roasted or raw, unsalted or salted. 

Because of the labor frequently involved in shelling macadamia nuts as well as the tropical environment needed to grow them, macadamia nuts were usually more costly than other nuts. In the past twenty years, the prices of macadamia nuts have dropped significantly because of new strains that have softer shells as well as expanded production. They can be readily availed in most of the grocery stores’ nut section.

Storing Macadamia Nuts

Since macadamia nuts are very high in fat content, they should be carefully stored to prevent rancidity. Macadamia nuts must be lightly-colored. They will eventually darken with time as the intrinsic oil becomes rancid. 

The freshest product is the vacuum-packed macadamia nuts. You can put unopened nuts in a sealed container inside a refrigerator for up to 6 months or you can freeze them for up to one year. Once opened, you have to refrigerate and consume Macadamia nuts in a span of two months.

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