Have you landed here on this page to find a substitute for macadamia nuts because you or someone you know has a nut allergy or maybe it’s hard to find macadamia nuts in your grocery store? Whatever the reason is you have come to the right place. Below we will talk about several substitutes for macadamia nuts. Macadamia nut is a light-colored round nut in a tough to crack shell because of this they are mainly sold shelled. Machinery is used to break the shell open. Therefore, this nut is the costliest in the world. It takes 300psi to crack a shell. It has the highest fat content compared to any other nut. Macadamia nuts grow in the southeast of Queensland, in Australia, and are also known as Queensland nuts, bush nuts, maroochi nuts, bauple nuts, and Hawaii nuts. Macadamia nut seeds were introduced to Hawaii in 1882 to be grown and used as a windbreaker for a sugar cane plantation. It was here that the way opened for macadamia nut to be produced commercially for the first time. Hawaii was the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts for a while until Australia surpassed Hawaii in 1997. Now South Africa is the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts.
List of Substitutes for Macadamia Nut
Pecans
Pecans are drupes from pecan trees. Roasted pecans are a good substitute for macadamia nut flavor as they have a similar sweetness. However raw pecans have a chewy rippled texture. If you’re looking for a substitute based on nutritional values, replace an equal amount of pecan to macadamia nut.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are not actually nuts. They are seeds found in a pod that grows from the brazil nut tree that is native to the Amazon forest. It is three times the size of a macadamia nut but its fat contents are similar. So if you’re looking to substitute for nutritional value a 1:1 ratio of brazil nuts would be another good substitute for macadamia nuts. Brazil nuts are known to have high amounts of selenium so consuming a lot of it would not be healthy.
Cashews
Cashews are another “nut” which is not technically a nut. Cashews are grown from the cashew tree. They’re considered a drupe seed that grows directly underneath the cashew apple. They‘re known as nuts to many because they have similar nutritional and culinary characteristics as other nuts. Substituting dry roasted cashews will give you a similar flavor to macadamia nuts using a 1:1 ratio. Cashew shells are highly toxic because they contain urushiol, which is an oily sap found in poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac. This is why when buying cashews from the grocery store they are always shelled. Cashews are known for their high oxalate content which could lead to kidney disease when consumed in large quantities.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a fruit. They are sometimes called filberts or cobnuts, depending on species. It is the product of the hazel tree. Hazelnuts are more crunchy but chopped hazelnuts have a similar appearance to chopped macadamia nuts. Hazelnuts also have the same distinct buttery flavor as macadamia nuts.
Walnuts
Walnuts have a similar texture to the smooth creaminess of macadamia nuts. If you plan on making a cream, paste, or mousse this will be a great choice.
However, it has a more bitter and less sweet taste. Walnuts are good to substitute for macadamia nuts in baking. When substituting use a 1:1 ratio.
Seeds and beans
Seeds, beans, and pretzels are a great alternative for those with a nut allergy. If you’re looking to replace macadamia nut butter you can buy ready-made sunflower seed butter, flaxseed butter, pumpkin seed butter, and even hemp seed butter. Roasted soybeans, peas, or garbanzo beans are a nice nut replacement in salads.
What Does Macadamia Nut Taste Like
Macadamia nuts taste rich and buttery. They can be eaten in many different ways. Roasting macadamia nuts bring out the sweet and creamy texture. Macadamia nuts can be turned into butter, milk, flour, and oil.
Storage and Shelf Life for Macadamia Nut
Macadamia nuts should be stored in a cool dry area in an airtight container. Macadamia nuts can last in the pantry for two to four weeks, stored in the refrigerator for up to six months, and nine to twelve months in the freezer. You can tell if your macadamia nuts need to be discarded by the look, smell, or taste. Look, for any signs of mold. Smell and taste for any signs of rancidity. If the macadamia nut tastes bitter or smells bad, then it’s time to throw them out.
Nutritional Info: What Goes into a Serving of Macadamia Nut?
According to WebMD One ounce (about 10 to 12 pieces) of macadamia nuts contains:
- Calories: 204
- Protein: 2.24 grams
- Fat: 21.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 grams
- Fiber: 2.44 grams
- Sodium: 1.42 milligrams
- Sugar: 1.3 grams
Interesting Facts about Macadamia Nut
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure your pets don’t come in contact with them.
Macadamia nut is used to make vegan cheese.
It can take up to five years for a macadamia tree to produce its first macadamia nut.
Once a macadamia tree starts producing nuts it can continue for over 100 years.
Machines are made specifically to crack macadamia nuts so that the inside doesn’t get damaged.
Wild macadamia trees are considered endangered.
Macadamia isn’t picked off the trees, they’re harvested by special machines once they fall onto the ground.
On average, a macadamia tree can produce around 65 pounds of nuts per year. These trees take approximately seven years to come into their own. Therefore they may not achieve their full potential until around 10 years.
Health Benefits of Macadamia Nut
Macadamia nuts are rich in protein. One ounce of macadamia nuts is equal to two servings of protein. It contains a high amount of monounsaturated fat that helps the body stay warm, boost cell growth, absorb necessary nutrients, and regulate the body’s hormones. Macadamia nuts are rich in thiamin and manganese, both of which are major B vitamins. Macadamia nut contains fiber and polyphenols, both of which promote the growth of probiotic flora that colonize the gut.
Promotes Heart Health
Since macadamia nuts are rich with monounsaturated fat it raises good cholesterol also known as high-density lipoprotein and lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thereby lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Controls Sugar Levels
There were several studies that found people who had a higher intake of nuts including macadamia nuts can help patients with type two diabetes to have better control over their blood sugar levels.
Reduces Inflammation
Macadamia nuts contain organic compounds known as flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant that can help protect against inflammation, which in turn can help reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases in the body.
Is Honey Safe for Nut allergies?
There is no definitive answer out there. However, if you are allergic to peanuts then you are safe to eat honey as peanuts do not get pollinated by honeybees. The same goes for walnut and pecan. There is a case on beesource.com where a beekeeper sold some honey to their customer that had a soy allergy. Well, the customer ended up having an allergic reaction. To discover that the honey was collected during the summer when cotton and soybeans were blooming. So, the beekeeper suspects that the customer had an allergic reaction due to the pollination of the soybeans.
Can You Use Macadamia Nut Oil if You Have a Nut Allergy?
If you have a nut allergy but are thinking about trying macadamia nut oil, there is little risk that you will have an allergic reaction. However, if you do decide to try macadamia nut oil and you experience allergy-like symptoms, discontinue use.
Is Macadamia Nut Oil better than olive oil?
Yes, macadamia nut oil prevents heart disease, inflammation, and stroke. It is 40 times more powerful than olive oil.
Bottom Line
Macadamia nuts are a unique and expensive nut due to their high-fat content and tough shell. They are grown in Australia and were introduced to Hawaii in the 19th century. Although macadamia nuts are not commonly available in some areas, there are several substitutes available, including pecans, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. For those with nut allergies, seeds, beans, and pretzels can be used as a replacement. Macadamia nuts are rich and buttery and can be consumed in various ways, including as butter, milk, flour, and oil. They are best stored in a cool, dry place and can last for several weeks to months depending on where they are stored. Macadamia nuts are also toxic to pets and are used to make vegan cheese. Lastly, wild macadamia trees are endangered, and it can take up to five years for a macadamia tree to produce its first nut.
