Is Macadamia Nut Oil The New Olive Oil?

For Macadamia Nut Day, learn all about why people are going nutty for this delicious, buttery oil!

Move over olive oil, macadamia nut oil is making a name for itself. More and more people are reaching for this delicious, slightly nutty, buttery oil in place of olive oil as their all-purpose oil. It is spreading in popularity across the globe and is destined to reach top-shelf status in homes everywhere for its wonderful flavor and health benefits.

In the Western Hemisphere, we associate macadamia nuts with the Hawaiian Islands. But believe it or not, macadamia trees are native to the northeast Australian rainforests, but thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, which is why they are found in Hawaii, Middle Americas, Brazil, South Africa and, of course, Australia. There are at least seven species of macadamia trees, yet only two produce edible nuts that are grown as a food crop. Macadamia nut oil is expressed from the harvested nut meat.

How Does Macadamia Nut Oil Compare to Olive Oil?

Heart Healthy Fats
While both oils are heart-healthy and rich in monounsaturated fats, macadamia nut oil contains the highest levels of Palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, than any botanical source, making it highly valued for stroke prevention. Macadamia nut oil contains 85% monounsaturated fats, exceeding olive oil, which contains 76%. The ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids in macadamia nut oil is perfectly balanced.

Beneficial to Hair and Skin
Additionally, both oils are revered for softening and moisturizing the skin and hair. The high content of Palmitoleic acid in macadamia nut oil also gives it beneficial, anti-aging properties. Palmitoleic acid is naturally found in the natural oils in human skin; however, as we age, the amount diminishes.  Topical applications and ingesting macadamia nut oil helps to replenish this oil and may prevent age spots, and slow the aging process. Both olive oil and macadamia nut oil are used in hot oil treatments to relieve dry and damaged hair conditions.

Antioxidant Rich Vitamin E
Macadamia nut oil contains up to four times as much vitamin E than olive oil. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works to prevent cataracts, cancer, cell damage and the formation of free radicals, and cardiovascular disease. It also promotes healthy skin, normal blood clotting, and healing.

Smoke Point
Macadamia nut oil has a high smoke point of 410° F, making it less likely to oxidize when heated, making it the perfect oil for cooking and baking. This versatile oil also adds a delicious flavor and nutritional benefits to uncooked recipes such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and drizzled on vegetables and fish.  The smoke point of olive oil varies based on the quality of the oil and how it was extracted. Virgin olive oil has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. Nonetheless, olive oil is heat sensitive, and prone to oxidize when heated. Thus, olive oil should only be used uncooked in things like drizzled over hummus and in salad dressings. But try substituting macadamia nut oil for a buttery, delicious flavor.

Shelf Stability & Longevity
Premium macadamia nut oil has a shelf life of up to five years. Olive oil has a shelf life of one to two years. Both oils should be stored in dark, glass bottles in a cool dark place.

To relish the full, unadulterated flavor and quality of this rich golden oil, look for macadamia nut oil that is minimally processed, pressed in chilled expellers and filtered without the use of heat or chemicals.

Have you tried macadamia nut oil? Thoughts?

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Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living, healthy lifestyle writer and author of 7 non-fiction books, including Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home, Pearls of Country Wisdom: Hints from a Small Town on Keeping Garden and Home, and Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. Tukua has been a writer for the Farmers' Almanac since 2004.

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Val

Oils of Aloha sells bottles of macadamia nut oil—unflavored and infused. It’s made in Hawaii. Their website offers to ship it within the US. We’ve purchased it at Costco (holiday 4 pack) and even at Ross as well as grocery stores in. HI.

It’s good for cooking pancakes at high heat (so they’re slightly crispy while still being fluffy. It’s my husband’s favorite! We use it as a good all purpose oil.

John OREO

I love macadamia nut oil. I use it to fry onions and put 2 table spoons in my 500ml carrot juice to assist with absorption. it’s soooo much more palatable than olive oil and having that perfect balance of omega 6 to omega 3 makes it a winner.

Ali

I can’t imagine how much macadamia oil might cost, as the nuts themselves are very pricey.

Lynn Schroder

dEFINITELY STICKING WITH MY EVOO & IT’S THE BEST !!

Marion Howey

sounds very interesting; I will look for it on Amazon. If I can’t find it there, I hope you will give me some other places to look for it; I live in Chicago, Il Thank you

JeanieK

This is great news; I am moving to Hawaii in a few months and should have no trouble finding it there. 🙂

Deborah Tukua, editor Journey to Natural Living

Macadamia nut oil can be found in Publix and other grocery stores that carry healthier food products. However, it’s more affordable online at Swanson Health Products and Amazon. If you are allergic to tree nuts I wouldn’t suggest you use macadamia internally or topically.

Catherine Law

I also would like to know where this can be purchased.

Diane Westbrook

Can you give info as to where to purchase?

Teresa Ginnings

I personally have been using Macadamia nut oil for my hair for the last year and a half and I positively love it! It definitely repairs all damage I create for my hair! I am going to seek out the oil to use for cooking.

Pam worley

Where can this oil be purchased? Also what is the best brand for the best oil?

Jeanne

What about people with tree nut allergies? We can only use it topically?

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