Macadamia Nuts 101: A Guide to Understanding Different Sizes and Their Uses

Macadamia nuts are an excellent addition to your diet. These delicious nuts are high in healthy fats, antioxidants, and fibre. Ideal for snacking, cooking, and baking. Add macadamia nuts to your meals to boost your energy, improve your heart health, and enjoy a tasty treat.

A Delicious and Nutritious Superfood for Your Diet

Macadamia nuts also known as the Queensland nuts, bush nuts, maroochi nuts, bauple nuts, and Hawaii nuts are native to Australia and were named after a Scottish-born Australian chemist who advocated for their cultivation. They are now grown in tropical regions all over the world and are popular as a sweet and savoury ingredient as well as a healthy snack. 

The east coast of Australia is the primary growing region for macadamia nuts, with Wodonga Park Fruit and Nuts being a leading producer of Biodynamic Macadamia nuts. These nuts are high in essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants, as well as Omega 7 and Omega 3, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. This blog will delve into the different styles and sizes of macadamia nuts, as well as their health benefits and how to incorporate them into your diet.

Various Sizes of Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia kernels are typically sold in several different sizes, including:

Style 0: With kernels measuring 20mm and larger, Super Premium Whole Kernels are the largest and most popular variety of macadamia. They account for at least 95% of the whole kernel and are meticulously inspected for consistency in size, colour, and texture.

Style 1: Premium Whole Kernels are the most popular type of macadamia due to their versatility and value for money. They make up at least 90% of the whole kernel and range in size from 17mm to 20mm.

Upgrade your snack game and try our Style 1 raw macadamia nuts today! Perfect for snacking or as a topping for your favourite dishes.  Shop Macadamia Style 1 Here!

Style 2: Premium Wholes & Halves are a 50/50 mixture of whole kernels and large halves, with sizes ranging from 13mm and up. This style is versatile and can be tailored to specific requirements.

Try our Style 2 macadamia nuts today for a delicious combination of roasted crunch and nutty flavour.  Shop Macadamia Style 2 Here!

Style 3: Premium Cocktail Mix is a blend that falls between table nuts and ingredients, with kernels mostly being half or larger and averaging larger than 13mm.

Style 4: Premium Halves are the perfect size for retail snack packs and are often used to make flavoured snacks. They have a minimum size of 11mm to 13mm and consist of at least 85% half kernels.

Add an extra layer of flavour and crunch to your meals with finely chopped macadamia nuts! Try them today and experience the delicious flavour of macadamia nuts.  Shop Macadamia Style 4 Here!

Style 5: Premium Large Chips are used for their crunch in breakfast cereals, ice cream, and cookies, with sizes ranging from 9mm to 11mm.

Style 6: Premium Chips are used by bakers, confectioners, and chefs as ingredients, toppings, or coatings, with sizes ranging from 4mm to 9mm.  Shop Macadamia Style 6 Here!

Style 7: Premium Small Chips are similar to Style 6 and are used in the food service industry, with sizes ranging from 4mm to 6mm.

Style 8: Premium Fine Chips are selected by fine food establishments for use in sauces, biscuits, and desserts, with 98% passing through a 4mm screen, resulting in sizes from 3mm to 5mm.

Honest to Goodness premium macadamia nuts are sourced from Wodonga Park and ideal for snacking, cooking and baking. Choose from our three styles of chemical-free macadamia nuts - Style 1, Style 2, and Style 4 - for a delicious and natural taste experience. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavour of macadamia nuts without the use of artificial flavours or preservatives.

Health Benefits and Nutrition of Macadamia Nuts

Good fats: Macadamia nuts contain good unsaturated fats, which do not increase blood glucose and insulin levels that cause hunger. The macadamia is one of very few plants to include Omega 7, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which helps maintain good cholesterol levels, healthy blood vessels and optimal blood supply throughout the whole body, including the brain.

High in antioxidants: Macadamia nuts are high in antioxidants, which are part of your body's natural defence system and help de-activate potentially harmful substances that damage cells and are thought to contribute to the development of chronic disease.

Digestive health: Macadamia kernels are an easy solution to boosting your digestive health and keeping you regular, with about 2g of fibre per 30g serving.

Vitamins and minerals: Macadamia nuts contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, manganese and folate, which provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Healthy source of Omega 3: Macadamia kernels contain Omega 3 – an essential fatty acid with a wide range of health benefits, including lowering your risk of cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, and migraine headaches.

What Can You Do with Macadamia Nut?

Macadamia nuts can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few popular ways to prepare them:

Raw: Macadamia nuts can be eaten raw, straight out of the shell or bag. They have a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavour.

Roasted: Roasting macadamia nuts brings out their flavour and crisps them up. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius before roasting the macadamia nuts (350 degrees F). Roast the nuts on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Chopped: Macadamia nuts can be chopped and added to a variety of dishes. They go well in salads, pastas, and stir-fries. They can also be added to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and breads.

Ground: Macadamia nuts can be ground into a fine flour and used in baking as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. They can also be used to coat meat, fish, and vegetables.

Nut Butter: Macadamia nuts can also be made into a creamy, delicious butter by blending them until smooth. It can be spread on toast, added to smoothies and use as a dip for crackers and fruits.

Oil: Macadamia oil is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in baking, cooking, and as a finishing oil. It is high in monounsaturated fats and has a mild, nutty flavour that makes it a great choice for salad dressings and marinades.