Melrose Macadamia Spread
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.
Melrose Macadamia Spread
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 Macadamia Spread is 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.
