Why Macadamia Nuts Are The Most Underrated Superfood
We’ve heard so much about avocados, spinach, chia seeds and quinoa recently that we’re starting to get slightly bored. There are so many more superfoods for us to celebrate, and yet we only seem to hear about the same ones time and time again!
One food that we really need to give more of our attention to is Macadamia nuts. With their subtle, buttery, almost creamy texture, macadamia nuts are native to Australia, but are now grown on trees all around the world. If you don’t know much about the nuts, keep reading to discover exactly why they’re the most underrated superfood of current time:
They have fascinating ties to Hawaii
As we mentioned above, macadamia nuts are grown all over the world, but they have particularly fascinating ties to Hawaii. Hawaii’s macadamia nuts are something else – they set a standard for macadamia nuts that’s impossible to beat anywhere else. Hawaiian macadamia nuts are grown year-round, and the first commercial macadamia nut farm was actually established in Hawaii. If you want to taste the very best macadamia nuts has to offer, you know where to go!
They’re high in heart healthy fats
Heart disease is one of America’s biggest killers, and when we’re presented with so many high sodium, unhealthily processed, fatty foods, it’s really no surprise. Switching up your unhealthier snacking options with macadamia nuts may be exactly what your heart needs to stay healthy, thanks to their high content of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have found that macadamia nuts can actually lower cholesterol and reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease if they’re eaten as part of your daily diet.
They’re one of the most sustainably farmed nuts
Obviously, the sustainability of farming varies depending on location and other factors, but looking at Hawaiian macadamia nuts in particular, you can guarantee sustainable farming and a low carbon footprint. Because of the fertile volcanic soil makeup in Hawaii, the nutrients from macadamia nuts are perfect for the environment, which helps to ensure a sustainable cycle of growth and regrowth.
They’re versatile
When we’re presented with a shelf-full of nuts, not many of us will reach for macadamia nuts first. That means that we often don’t know what to do with them aside from eat them on their own as a snack. As delicious as macadamia nuts are just as they are, there’s so much more you can do with them if you’re looking to get a bit more experimental. Try using them in granola, cheesecake or hummus recipes, or adding them to your breakfast muesli or porridge. You can also switch up your usual peanuts or cashew nuts in curry, stir fry and ramen dishes for something a little different.
They might prevent cancer
When it’s thought that one in two of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime, knowing what foods to eat to stay cancer-free is essential. Macadamia nuts contain something called tocotrienols, a vitamin E compound that has been found in studies to have powerful anticancer properties. They also contain flavonoids, which fight against free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and lead to the formation of cancer tumours, so the more flavonoids we can take in through our diets, the better.
They can help you stay at your desired weight
While your weight loss goals should by no mean fully take over your life, staying at a healthy weight is important if you want to live the happiest, most fulfilling life for longest. Macadamia nuts contain a particularly monosaturated fat called omega-7, as well as something called palmitoleic, and it’s thought that they might be pretty helpful in preventing weight gain. Studies have found that both of these nutrients can prevent weight gain and decrease the size of fat cells in the body.
They’re delicious
Is there really any other reason to enjoy macadamia nuts? Not only are they incredibly good for you, but they’re also delicious. If you are looking to replace some of your unhealthier diet choices with macadamia nuts, it won’t even feel like a challenge, because their creamy, buttery taste will more than keep your sweet tooth satisfied. Macadamia nuts are hearty, too, and more filling than you’d imagine, so you don’t need a lot to keep you going. Because they’re so versatile, you can choose to enjoy them as a sweet or savoury addition to meals, so you can get multiple tasting experiences out of the same ingredient again and again.
Where To Buy Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are widely available year-round, and you should be able to find them in the nut section of most stores and markets. You’ll find that the fresh nuts taste the best, so try to avoid pre-packaged if possible.
It’s definitely worth considering getting your hands on some Hawaiian macadamia nuts if possible! You won’t find anything better tasting, as Hawaiian macadamia nuts have their own distinct flavour that puts them apart from other nuts from around the world. You could purchase them online – or do yourself a favour and pay a visit to the beautiful vacation destination for some locally sourced goodness.
So many things to love about Hawaii
We are nuts about Hawaii. There are just so many things to love about Hawaii. From the virtually perfect weather all year long, always place to surf, hanging out on the beach, hiking up a mountain, just going somewhere to enjoy a beautiful view, grabbing some shave ice, there are just so many things to love about it.
Not to mention chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Yum! Especially the kind that has a little coffee infused. Yum!
Just drive around Hawaii for 30 minutes (except for the traffic in Honolulu during rush hour), you’ll start falling in love with it just like us.
Locally Sourced Foods You Have To Try In Hawaii
One of the most exciting things about taking a trip to Hawaii by far is its selection of delicious locally sourced foods. Hawaii is a beautiful, thriving tropical island, which makes it the perfect destination for growing a number of exotic and unique specialities that you’re unlikely to find back at home. Having a good idea of what some of these foods are in advance will help you to really make the most out of your visit.
If you’re a massive foodie, there are certain local delicacies in Hawaii that you just have to try. Make sure to add the foods below to your “foods to taste” bucket list – we promise you won’t regret it!
Poke
You’ve never had a real poke bowl before unless you’ve had it in Hawaii. Hawaii is known for its fresh, diverse range of seafood, and what better way to enjoy it than in one of its famous poke bowls? Marinate in your favourite sauce or dressing, add rice or noodles, and enjoy with whatever vegetables and seafood combos take your fancy. You’ll see a lot of ahi poke, made from yellowfin tuna, in Hawaii, so that’s definitely one to try out if you’re a seafood fan.
Manapua
Manapua is a traditional Hawaiian bun, soft and pillowy in texture, that can be steamed or baked. You can fill the bun with whatever you fancy, although if you’re trying them at a restaurant, you’ll usually find they contain either chicken or beans. Manapua might not look too special from the outside, but trust us when we say once you’ve tried them once, you’ll find you’re well and truly addicted. Expect to clear a substantial space in your suitcase to bring them home for all your friends to try.
Macadamia nuts
One of the tastiest and most available on-the-go snacks in Hawaii are macadamia nuts. Interestingly for us history geeks, Hawaii was actually the location of the world’s first commercial macadamia nut farm, so you can guarantee that the islanders know a thing or to about harvesting the nuts to their full tasting potential. You can find macadamia nuts in most supermarkets and outdoor food stands in Hawaii – and look out for the fresh, seasoned nuts, because they’re hands-down the best you’re going to get.
Seasonal fruits and veggies
Contrary to the stereotype, you’ll find far more than pineapple in Hawaii. Depending on the season you’re visiting in, if you stop by at a farmer’s market, you can expect to find all number of tropical fruits and veggies, from avocados and hearts of palm to oranges, papayas, rambutans, summer squash, taro… and so much more. If you like trying out exotic fruit and veg, you’ll find plenty of choice in Hawaii, and because it’s all locally grown, it’ll taste better than anything you might be able to get back at home.
Kona coffee
Coffee lovers, here’s something that’ll sound like music to your ears: Hawaii is famous for its incredible locally sourced coffee. Because of its volcanic soil, Hawaii’s lands for growing are far more fertile, and the weather is perfect for growing coffee beans, too – with sunny mornings and the occasional afternoon rain shower, you’ve got the ideal irrigation system without having to outsource. You’ll find the best local coffee being served in the cafes and coffee shops, but some stores should sell bags of fresh, local stuff that you can take home with you if you decide you’re addicted (and trust us, you will).
Mai Tai
We couldn’t have made this list without including one of Hawaii’s most famed cocktails, the Mai Tai. The ingredient that gives the Mai Tai its alcoholic kick, rum, is sourced locally from the Hawaiian Islands. The rum is usually made from pure sugar cane juice – which is grown in Hawaiian soil – and can be fashioned into a number of different varieties, including white, coconut and gold rum. It’s definitely worth trying out a Mai Tai or two in Hawaii, and if you fancy making your own at home, you can always take a bottle of rum back on the plane with you.
Shaved ice
It’s one of the most traditional summer foods in Hawaii, and although it might not blow your socks off, shaved ice simply has to go on your bucket list of must taste foods in Hawaii. Shaved ice is exactly how it sounds: a dessert made from shaving ice and flavouring with sweetened syrups and ice cream. Eating a bowl of shaved ice might not take you right back to the very roots of Hawaii’s locally sourced foods, but it’s still a staple Hawaiian dish that’s really worth a try on a hot day for an immediate refresh.
Chocolate
Just as the fertile lands of Hawaii are the perfect location for growing coffee beans, they’re also ideal for cultivating cacao. You’ll find original Hawaiian chocolate growing on the slopes of the Hawaiian mountains, where the terrain offers the best location for the weather to do its work. Hawaii has its own chocolate factory, and you won’t have to look hard to find Hawaiian chocolate being sold at stores all across the islands. Now this is one worth saving space in your suitcase for!
A Word Of Caution
Hawaii’s foods are incredible, there’s no denying that, but before you go purchasing a whole new suitcase to fill solely with food, check the rules for taking foods out of the country back to wherever you’re flying to.
Generally, you’ll be fine to bring back cooked food, packaged food, and alcohol. When it comes to fruit and veg, you’ll struggle a lot more, as you can’t take plants or cuttings of fruits and vegetables except for pineapple and potato. You can usually take Kona coffee back to your state, and smaller bottles of alcohol. As we’ve said, it’s worth checking with your airline before you buy – it’s better to be safe than sorry.