Decadent and buttery, with a delicate crunch, macadamia nuts are loved around the world for their wholesome goodness and versatility. This superfood is delicious on its own or as an ingredient in a dish. Most importantly (at least to us), this nut is rich in nutrients and ‘good fats’ that help your body stay in tip-top shape!
That’s why we’re celebrating National Macadamia Nut Day! In the United States, September 4th is reserved to cherish these absolutely charming nuts.
So, what are macadamia nuts and what are some of their benefits? Let’s crack open a little macadamia nut history full of fun facts you’ll love to share!
What are macadamia nuts?
Macadamia nuts are the delicious, edible seeds of the macadamia tree, an evergreen sub-tropical fruit tree belonging to the Proteaceae family. They are native to the east coast of Australia and were only domesticated within the last century! What’s even more interesting, most of the world’s commercial macadamia crops originated from a single 19th-century tree in the tiny town of Gympie in Queensland, Australia. Click here to see an interactive map of where macadamia trees grow across the globe.
Macadamias offer incredible health benefits because of their concentration of ‘good fats,’ fiber, protein, low sugar, and a range of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants.
For example, the monounsaturated fatty acids (omega 7 and 9) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) found in macadamia nuts have been shown to help lower cholesterol, fight inflammation, support positive gut health, promote brain function, and reduce the risk of chronic disease… Impressive, right!?
But let’s not forget the feel-good reason why macadamia nuts are so well loved: they’re delicious! Macadamia nuts have a smooth, buttery texture and a delicate crunch that combine to create a one-of-a-kind, melt-in-your-mouth quality your taste buds will love!
They can be used as toppings or garnishes for salads, fish, meats, snacks, and almost any meal you think could use a little extra crunch. It’s no wonder they earned themselves a national holiday!
Now that you have an idea of the history and benefits of macadamia nuts and why we choose to celebrate them, take a look at these 5 macadamia nut fun facts… some may surprise you!
5 Nutty Fun Facts About Macadamia Nuts
- Oh, So Many Ways to Love Them!
While macadamias can be used whole or chopped for snacking and meals, you can also use them in various other plant-based applications, including butter, nut milk, coffee creamer, oil, flour, and even cosmetics. They’re a genuinely versatile nut celebrated for their nourishing properties. - Heart Healthy Superfood
Remember those omegas we mentioned earlier? One of the macadamia nut’s most celebrated features is the ‘good’ omega fats they contain. The polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats found in macadamias are vital nutrients for healthy hearts and balanced cholesterol levels and may even help prevent cardiovascular disease. - Keep Away from Your Furbaby!
We interrupt these fun facts with an important message regarding your favorite doggos. Unfortunately, macadamia nuts are toxic when consumed by dogs and can cause harmful reactions. So, it’s always best to keep those delicious morsels stored in a secure, puppy-proof area. - Perfection Takes Time
Did you know that macadamia trees can take up to 10 years to reach full adulthood? Depending on the environmental factors surrounding the macadamia tree, it takes at least 4 years from planting for a tree to produce the delicious nuts we love oh so much and about 10 years to reach full maturity. But once they’re up and growing, don’t count them out! Most macadamia trees can live up to 60 years on average, with some producing nuts for over 100 years. In fact, the world’s oldest known cultivated macadamia nut tree, planted in 1858, still grows in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, located in Australia. - Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free… You Name it!
Macadamia nuts are a dream for almost any lifestyle diet. Because they are plant-based whole foods, macadamia nuts are a naturally sustainable way for your body to get the ‘good fats’ it needs to stay full and energized. They are keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and low FODMAP, not to mention they have a low glycemic index, so they are great for individuals with diabetes and safe to eat while pregnant when consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.
No matter how you crack ’em – raw, roasted, salted, or plain – macadamia nuts are a fun and exciting treat for people of all ages. Behind their creamy texture and distinct taste is a nut that’s so much more than meets the eye!
If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate macadamia nuts today and every day, consider starting with the basics. Find some macadamia nuts at your local market or wherever is most convenient.
If you already love macadamia nuts, why not try a new recipe? We have dozens of sensational options on our inspiration page and Pinterest Board. If you see something that sparks your interest, be sure to Pin or save the recipe to try this week. While you’re there, remember to follow @loveofmacadamia on all social channels, so you’re always in the loop!
Celebrating the Love of Macadamia Every Day
At Love Macadamia™, one of our most passionate goals is education. We know the power that macadamia nuts have. So, we’ve embarked on a journey to share the benefits of macadamia nuts through fun facts, recipes, and more to demonstrate why we truly love these darling nuts.
