The cooking oil scene has been changing rapidly in the last few years. As the 90s “fat-free” health craze comes to an end, health-conscious home cooks are increasingly interested in healthy fat sources. Enter coconut oil, high in monounsaturated fats, and tons of uses in the kitchen and the household, coconut oil has sky-rocketed in popularity. Then, it seemed like avocado oil stole the spotlight as the next healthy oil. Both of these oils are now readily available in every grocery store when they weren’t popular even ten years ago. Macadamia nut oil is still harder to come by, but worth seeking out. It offers significant advantages in cooking and baking uses and boasts an impressive nutrition profile.
What is Macadamia Nut Oil?
Macadamia nuts are indigenous to Australia, but have since been grown in Hawaii and South America. The oil has only recently been readily available in most US supermarkets as people become more interested in healthy fats. It is a very stable oil that is not prone to oxidation and has a long shelf-life, which sets it apart from other fragile, easily-spoiled nut oils. Macadamia oil is also liquid at room temperature so it’s very convenient for a variety of uses, as you don’t have to melt it first (like coconut oil or ghee).
Smoke Point
Macadamia nut oil has a smoke point of 410°F [1]. This makes the oil very stable and suitable for high heat uses such as frying and searing. It won’t burn or smoke when used at temperatures below410°F.
Taste
Macadamia nut oil has a very neutral taste. It’s much more neutral than olive oil or unrefined coconut oil, or even ghee. This makes it perfect for baking, as it does not have a savory taste that could throw off a sweet baked good. It can be used as pretty much an all-purpose oil, as one might use vegetable or canola oil.
Macadamia Nut Oil Nutrition
Vitamin Content
This oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that is essential to health. [2]
Fat Profile
Macadamia nut oil is mostly composed of monounsaturated fat. In a 15 ml serving of macadamia nut oil, it has 2 grams of saturated fat, 11 grams of monounsaturated fat, and 1 gram of polyunsaturated fat. [3]
Best Uses
Macadamia nut oil is perfect for frying, sauteeing, and roasting. Additionally, because the oil has such a neutral flavor, it’s great for baking, too. It’s perfect for the base of a salad dressing, and to make homemade mayo! You can use it to air fry, and grease a baking pan. Not to mention that it’s also a great oil for moisturizing your skin and hair. The uses are pretty much endless. It has all the convenience of vegetable oil (neutral taste, liquid at room temperature) while being a much healthier alternative these rancid and highly-processed industrial vegetable oils.
Where To Find Macadamia Nut Oil: The Importance of Sourcing
It’s best to get cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oil, preferably organic. This is because in cold-pressing, more antioxidants are preserved that prevent oxidation and spoiling.
Some good brands are Olivado and Milkadamia. I especially like the Milkadamia macadamia nut oil in a spray bottle, which is very convenient for baking and when using the air fryer. It’s also important to make sure you are using macadamia nut oil that is food grade, because many macadamia oils are sold for cosmetic use.
FAQ
How to use macadamia oil?
You can use macadamia oil for any cooking and baking need. It’s great that it is in liquid form at room temperature, so you can easily pour it out to use in baking and cooking without melting first. You can use it in any recipe that calls for vegetable oil as a healthier alternative. Also, you can use it in place of olive oil and coconut oil. Additionally, it is a great moisturizer for the skin and hair. It is very similar in composition to the oil naturally found on our skin.
How is macadamia oil extracted?
Macadamia nut oil is extracted by being cold pressed. Simply crushing the nut releases the oils, as macadamia nuts are very fatty.
Is macadamia nut oil keto?
Yes, macadmia nut oil is keto! It has zero carbs. It’s best to get extra-virgin, cold-pressed, or expeller-pressed organic oil to ensure it has the healthiest fats.
Does macadamia nut oil have a high smoke point?
Yes, macadamia nut oil does have a high smoke point of 410°F. It’s about the same as virgin olive oil.
Does macadamia nut oil need to be refrigerated?
No, macadamia nut oil does not need to be refrigerated. Since it has a high amount of antioxidants and is a stable oil, it has a shelf life of about two years without refrigeration. It should be stored away from heat and light in a cool, dark place.
Is macadamia nut oil good for you?
Yes, macadamia nut oil is good for you. The oil provides a good amount of healthy fats, as well as a good share of antioxidants and vitamin E. The nutritional profile of macadamia nut oil is by far better than most other nut or seed oils.
Does macadamia nut oil expire?
Yes, it does eventually expire, in about two to five years. You will know it is spoiled by the look and smell.
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