Overview
Macadamia (M.intergrifolia, M.tetraphylla)
Named by the botanist Ferninand von Mueller in honour of his friend Dr John Macadam of Melbourne. Macadamias are native to south east Queensland and north eastern New South Wales, growing in rain forests, in moist places and along stream banks.
Macadamia nuts have a very hard seed coat enclosed in a green husk that splits open as the nut matures. Macadamias are large, spreading evergreen trees reaching 15 to 20 metres high and almost as wide.
The flowers are about 1cm long, are perfect but incomplete in that they have no petals, but four petaloid sepals, M.intergrifolia has creamy white flowers borne in clusters 15 to 30cm long, while the flowers of M.tetraphylla are cream-coloured or pink, borne in clusters up to 15 inches long. Macadamias can self pollinate, also wind may play some role, but bees apparently are the major agent in pollination. Cross pollination by hand has been shown to increase nut set and quality.
The macadamia was introduced into Hawaii about 1881 where it was used as an ornamental and for reforestation.
In 1948 the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station named and introduced several promising varieties which led to the modern macadamia industry in Hawaii. In California two seedlings were planted in the early 1880's and are still standing on the Berkeley campus of the University of California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there oil in the top of the jar?
Melrose nut spreads are made from 100% lightly roasted nuts.
Unlike most peanut butters the natural oils in Melrose nut spreads are not subjected to hydrogenation. In normal spreads this hydrogenation turns liquid oils into solids so that they will not separate out. However hydrogenation also produces trans fatty acids and these have negative health effects.
- Melrose nut spreads contain only natural oils.
- Melrose Nut spreads contain no hydrogenated Oils.
- Melrose nut spreads contain no trans fats.
When using Melrose nut spreads, simply stir in the natural oils. Do not pour off the oil as this will leave you with a dry spread.
Aren't nuts fattening?
Nuts are nutritious health promoting foods and when eaten in moderation have no association with weight gain. Although nuts are generally high in fat, this fat is mostly monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat. Nuts also have a high satiety value (i.e. they make you feel "full" for a relatively low kilojoules intake which may benefit weight loss.
Product Sizes
Melrose nut spreads come in a 240g jar.
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