Macadamia Dipped Nuts Chocolate - 113g - House of Macadamias

‘Macadamia’ is a type of tree relating to the flowering plant ‘Protea’ and a type of fossilised pollen. The Proteaceae family (Banksia, Grevillia, Persoonia, and Macadamia) was originally distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Macadamia tree was specifically discovered in Southern Queensland, (Australia) during the same time Australia was separating from the mega-continent of Gondwana. The Macadamia nut has become a popular seed in many continents around the world. They are grown commercially in countries such as- Hawaii, China, South Africa, Australia, as well as West and South America. History of Macadamia The orchard nut has been enjoyed for over fifty million years, and dates back thousands of years by the aboriginal people. Initially called ‘Kindal Kindali’ Macadamia nuts were collected and traded between tribes. They were suggested to be a delicacy and were used as ceremonial gifts. Found in the fringes of rainforests, they were prevalent between the native people and animals. The native aboriginals had names such as ‘Goomburra’ and ‘Boomberra’ for the nuts. In the 1850’s natives showed European botanists the seed and they became intrigued; for years they were confused for chestnuts and black beans. The nut was notably exchanged for tobacco, tommy axes, and rum by European settlers. They were collected and researched by Australian botanists throughout the 1850’s. By 1858 it was named ‘Macadamia’ after scientist John Macadam, the Secretary of the Victorian Philosophical Institute. The first orchard tree was planted, and commercialised, by white settlers in the early 1880s. The plant was established in Lismore, Sydney, Australia by Charles Staff, and is now known as ‘Australia’s gift to the world’. Macadamia’s Nutritional Value The Macadamia nuts plant is filled with a long list of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In terms of what gastrointestinal advantages it holds, the seed is made up of healthy (monosaturated) fats and carbohydrates. This helps raise your good cholesterol levels, and lower your bad ones. This is particularly helpful for those who have, or who are at risk of diabetes, as the seeds do not spike your sugar levels. Macadamia nuts contain natural soluble fibre which benefits your digestive health and gut health, (acts as a prebiotic) and also contains Copper, which promotes your body turning food into energy. Looking at the rest of the body, Macadamia nuts contain an extremely high amount of Manganese and Magnesium. These minerals work towards forming your bones, connective tissue, and regulating your muscles, the clotting of blood, and the nervous system. The Macadamia seed holds lots of vitamins- Vitamin E, (Tocotrienol) Vitamin B1, (Thiamine)Vitamin B6, and Potassium. These nutrients contain lots of neuroprotective properties, for example, assets that support neurotransmitters travelling around the body, assets that promote the normal functions of the body, and more. Macadamia as a Culinary Resource Macadamias are a special resource in cooking as they can be eaten in several different ways. Raw, whole, chopped, blended, fried, and roasted… those are just some of ways you can enjoy this seed. Their versatility allows you to add them to pretty much any meal at any time, whether that’s to add flavour, or to add some texture, macadamias will not let you down. To add to Macadamia’s versatility, the seed has a high oil content (72%) making it perfect to use as a nut butter and a substitute oil for frying. They also create a great coating for foods. Adding them as a crust or coating to your protein part of the meal can make a simple meal a little bit more exciting. Just by simply crushing the seed, you allow for a crunchy and crispy finish that can also be added on top on meals as a similar touch to breadcrumbs. The Macadamia plant has a very distinct taste, giving the nuts a great additive to your dishes. They really boost the taste and consistency of every dish you cook with, as they have a crunchy hard shell to bite into, but are extremely creamy and velvety inside. This makes for a great addition to creamy pasta dishes, and even desserts. In baking, Macadamias work well in crunchy cookies, (especially with white chocolate) muffins, brownies, gateaux, blondies, mousse, and even in sweet and savoury cakes. The creaminess and munch enhance the flavour and texture of ice cream creating a lovely rich pudding. Macadamia as a Healthy Snack As we all now know, Macadamias are very versatile. They can be eaten raw or cooked, so they can be chucked into most meals- salads, pastas, stir-fries, biscotti, gnocchi, and veggie burgers; to name a few. They are a perfect pantry ingredient because they can be used in any meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a healthy snack. Macadamias are full of fibre, good fats, and protein. As a collection, these make the seeds a beneficial snack; for keeping you healthy and fuller for longer. Macadamias are naturally low in sugar and are full of antioxidants, putting them high up on the list for nuts as a smaller bite to eat. There is no end to the list of versions of snack-based Macadamias. For example, they can be toasted, roasted, salted, spiced, and covered in chocolate. Macadamia in the Beauty Industry Earlier, we talked about the long list of nutrients and minerals found in Macadamia seeds. Vitamin E, (Tocotrienol) Vitamin B1, (Thiamine)Vitamin B6, are just some to name, which, mixed into cosmetics can be really nourishing for the skin and hair. This plant-based product is full of fatty-acids which also boost the moisture levels and anti-aging effect in cosmetics such as- soaps, shampoos, and creams. Other Uses With the parts of the nut that are inedible (Shell and husk) they contain the polymer Lignin and the molecule Cellulose. This, when mixed together is commonly used as the main constituent for wood and Mulch. Macadamias also contain activated carbon/activated charcoal which is extracted and used to purify air and water. Macadamias polymeric composites are also used in lots of different structures, in industries such as aerospace, automotive and other infrastructures involving sand and plastic. Why is Macadamia Expensive With Macadamias versatility, comes its unique and specific development. Macadamia nut prices range between £10 and £40 depending on weight. In terms of nut population, Macadamias take 1% of global growth, because of the small number of plantations. On top of this, Macadamia trees take 10 years to start producing nuts, therefore the harvesting process is incredibly slow, making them a rarer resource to sell and buy. However, with the plant having multipurpose, the nuts are equally as popular. Interestingly, Macadamias require very specific growing conditions. It is no wonder that the main inhabitancy of this plant is in the Southern Hemisphere, because the nuts need warm temperatures, and lots of rain to grow. The rainforests in Australia are home to the largest number of Macadamias, very few other locations offer the same conditions as Australian continent. With this being said, these particular landing spots can be pricey to use for development, adding another reason behind Macadamias higher expense. A good fact about Macadamia’s higher paying price comes from their organic production. Organic Macadamia nuts are made without any chemical, stimulant, or pesticide interaction. They are completely natural and have no interference from the minute they are picked from the plant to the moment you buy them in a shop. Rest assured, Fair Trade works with plenty of companies that produce Macadamias, meaning those nuts have a sustainable and equitable trade history. Keep an eye out for Fair Trade Macadamias in your local shops. Where to buy Macadamias? Despite their complicated and slow growth, Macadamias are not hard to find. You can find smaller packets and jars of raw, roasted and whole Macadamias in most supermarkets. If you’re intrigued by Macadamias in other forms, and want to find the best Macadamia nuts, have a look at your local farm shops, organic shops, and macadamia nut shops, you can even buy macadamia nuts online. Here at Whole Foods Earth, we offer a wide range of Macadamias in different forms: Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts, crunchy/smooth Macadamia butter, Raw Macadamias, and Chocolate Covered Macadamias. Have a look at our healthy food shop online.

It's time our kids go back to school! If you are looking for healthy snacks that are perfect for taking to school or after school, then this short list is for you. Eating healthy snacks can benefit your children in many ways. These healthy snacks will help your kids grow, develop and learn. To make your life easier, you can buy healthy snacks online and fill up your pantry with nuts, dried fruits, seeds, popcorn and dark chocolate. This way, you will always have some healthy snacks at hand. Popcorn Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, making it a perfect snack for kids (if you don't add butter and salt). Corn has excellent health benefits for children. It contains a lot of dietary fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. High fibre improves digestion, helps avoid constipation, and stimulates digestive juices' secretion, keeping the bowels healthy. Popcorn also contains a good quantity of iron and calcium, manganese and phosphorous, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and the functioning of cells. Additionally, corn is loaded with B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6, pantothenic and folate acid, which are great for the brain and mood. Popcorn contains carotenoid antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein that help protect eye health. Nuts A handful of organic nuts or a serving of as little as 30g daily can benefit your kids in many ways. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamias and Brazil nuts are loaded with nutrients, protein and fibre to help children thrive and are an excellent fuel for the brain. In general, all kinds of nuts offer amazing health benefits, but every kind of nuts can also offer something special including preventing depression and anxiety. Walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, which help fight inflammation. They contain twice as many antioxidants as other nuts, which improve cognitive functioning. Hazelnuts, almonds, pecans and macadamia nuts are heart-healthy. Almonds help improve your kid's memory. Pistachios are rich in oils that help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation. Macadamias also help in normal brain functioning. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is a very healthy snack when consumed in moderation. It contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, which can significantly improve memory and brain functioning. Veggies and Fruits Fresh vegetables are an obvious healthy snack. Packed with vitamins, they contain everything your children need to grow and develop in the right way. Dried fruits can be an excellent replacement for fresh fruits due to their longer shelf life. They contain all the nutrients of fruits but can last longer in your pantry. Your kids will love dried fruits like cranberries, dried apricots, cranberries, dates and figs.

Are macadamia nuts healthy? Macadamia nuts are rich in nutrients. They are packed with healthy mono-saturated fats. They also contain vitamins (including B6), fibre, thiamine, manganese, copper, magnesium, and iron. Macadamia nuts are low in carbs and sugar, which makes them good for people with diabetes (they will unlikely cause a spike in your sugar level). They also contain flavonoids which are antioxidants helping to fight inflammation and lower cholesterol. Additionally, they are loaded with tocotrienols, a kind of vitamin E, another antioxidant which may help lower cholesterol levels. What are the health benefits of macadamia nuts? Eating macadamia nuts is linked to several health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol, improving heart health and blood sugar control, and helping digestion and weight management (despite the high-calorie content). Macadamia nuts are also associated with a lower risk of developing cancer and brain diseases. Why are macadamia nuts expensive? The reason why macadamia nuts are so expensive is the fact that they are tree nuts. They are not only rare but need a long time to grow. The trees take years from planting to harvest (between three to even seven years). Macadamia trees are grown in a few different locations of the world but require special climate conditions, so they cannot be grown everywhere. The species originated in the high-altitude hills of Queensland, Australia, but today farmers adapted hybrids of macadamia that can grow in a similar environment in the mountains of California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Malawi and Kenya. Macadamia trees require a lot of rain and a temperate climate identical to the one the trees come from. The same type of land is often used for coffee, avocado, and fruits, which are more profitable crops for the local farmers, giving crops much earlier than macadamia trees. Moreover, because of the increasing land attractiveness and value in these regions, farming has to compete with tourism and real estate development these days. Another factor in the high price is the processing issues. Macadamia nuts are harvested prematurely, meaning the farmers can’t see the kernel inside the shell when picking them, so they might gather the nuts while they are still developing the oil. Another problem is the shelling damage to the kernels if not done correctly. Whole macadamia nuts are very rare. They make up less than half of shelled macadamia kernels; the rest are macadamia halves or pieces that got damaged in the shelling process. Adding to the ever-growing demand for macadamia nuts, these are all the reasons why macadamia nuts are so expensive. Can people with an allergy to nuts eat macadamia nuts? Macadamia nuts are tree nuts, so like any other tree nuts, they may cause allergies. However, the allergy to macadamias is rare. It is estimated to cause less than 5% of all tree nut allergies. If you're allergic to one type of tree nut, it doesn't mean you're allergic to all kinds of tree nuts - check with your doctor if you can eat macadamia nuts safely. Can dogs eat macadamia nuts? Even though macadamia nuts are so beneficial for humans they are on the list of food products to avoid when feeding your dog. The compound of macadamia that is toxic to dogs is unknown but even 1 macadamia nut may cause vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination and hyperthermia so keep your doggies away from your macadamias!

This Christmas, instead of gifting sugar-packed and unhealthy fat loaded sweets and super salty snacks, try giving healthier and more nutritious foods. Your family and friends will appreciate having these delicious and nutritious healthy alternatives to Christmas treats. Sometimes little things make a huge difference. Here's the list of healthy Christmas gift ideas. You can make small healthy gifts, or combine some of them in one Christmas wellness hamper. Nut boxes and bundles Nuts are one of the healthiest things you can eat. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, dietary fibre and healthy fats. Buy large bags of nuts online and make mixed nuts bundles as Christmas gifts for your loved ones. You can roast your own nuts at home and then give them to someone special in a nice box! Such a small gift but when it's made by you it means a lot more. Read more how make roasted nuts at home - recipe here. Dried fruit boxes and bundles Dried fruits are a very healthy snack option. They are a great source of vitamins and fibre. Buy large bags of fried fruits online and make mixed fruits Christmas boxes and bundles for your family and friends. Choose unsweetened dried fruits to avoid extra sugar! Organic spice bundles & homemade spice mixes If you want to spice up the life (and meals) of your loved ones, give them some organic spices. You can buy spices online and make your own spice mixes and spice coatings. The best gifts for Christmas would be mulled wine spice mix and mixed Christmas spice for baking. Check the recipe here. Then you pack it a small glass jar which is perfect for storing spices and wrap it up with a lovely festive ribbon and a gift is ready! Organic herbs Regular supermarkets usually offer limited selection of herbs in small packaging. If you want to surprise someone who love to cook, buy organic herbs online for them. In a wholefood speciality shop you will find rare organic products and herbs from all around the world. You can mix and match different rare herbs and pack them into small jars that will be the best way to store them for many months. Organic dark chocolate & vegan chocolate If you are looking for a gift that is still chocolatey and sweet but healthy go for organic dark chocolate. Dark chocolate bars are available in amazing flavours, from lemon and orange, nut coated to salted caramel. Pay attention to cocoa content - the higher percentage the better but also slightly more bitter. Organic tea & organic coffee In winter, a glass of hot beverage is there to keep us warm. Unfortunately, there are many pesticides and artificial fertilisers used in tea and coffee farming. These chemicals can be toxic to the human body and the environment. When you buy organic tea and coffee, you can be sure that there are no toxins in what you drink. Instead you get a drink which is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and it helps to boost immune system. And that's why organic coffee and tea are great gifts for your loved ones. Good quality olive oil & vinegar You may not think about it as it is a pantry staple, but think about a high-quality organic olive oil and you may have a great gift for someone who cooks and loves good food. This kind of gift will truly delight the taste buds. There are also other speciality oils, such as pumpkin seed oil, hemp oil, walnut oil, avocado oil that you may consider for a gift. Another kitchen must-have is vinegar. The vinegar you find in normal supermarkets is usually cheap and poor quality. In specialty shops for food lovers you will find vinegars made in natural way from best ingredients such as organic fruits with amazing flavours that will enhance the taste of food in amazing ways. A bottle of great quality vinegar will be a great gift for your friends and family who love to explore new flavours. Homemade cookies & cakes When you make your own cakes you can decide about the ingredients you choose and you can choose the best quality ingredients that are healthy. You family and loved ones would love to receive something made by you. During Christmas period you can easily find healthy recipes for cakes and cookies. Here's a recipe for Christmas cake that can offer to someone special.

If you have high blood pressure you're not alone; around one-third of UK adults are dealing with it. The good news is there are ways you can lower your blood pressure through making simple lifestyle adjustments. What is high blood pressure? It’s essentially the force of blood against the artery walls. While this pressure increases and decreases over the day, when it stays elevated over time it becomes known as high blood pressure. Recorded as two numbers, the high number is the systolic pressure which measures the pressure when your heart pushes blood out. Meanwhile, the lower number, the diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats. According to the NHS, high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80). Meanwhile, ideal blood pressure is considered somewhere between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. With that being said, it’s worth remembering that what is considered low or high for one person could be normal for somebody else. Why might you want to lower your blood pressure? High blood pressure puts unnecessary strain on your blood vessels and heart, as well as other organs like the brain. It’s a sobering and shocking fact that high blood pressure is the most common and preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is the leading single contributor to all-cause death and disability worldwide. The good news (phew!) is that reducing your high blood pressure, even just a little, can help lower your risk. Foods That Lower Your Blood Pressure While there are medications available to reduce blood pressure levels, lifestyle changes – including eating more and less of certain foods – can help naturally lower it. In fact, diet plays such an important role doctors even have a name for it – DASH: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s not a specific diet, but a way of eating that sees eaters cut back on red meat, sodium and added sugars, and instead filling up on fruit and vegetables along with whole grains, nuts and legumes. With that in mind, here are some of the specific foods that can help lower your blood pressure naturally. 1. Citrus Fruits Stock up on grapefruits, oranges and lemons as research has found they have antihypertensive properties. One study, which tracked women drinking lemon juice, found that it 'significantly correlated' with lower systolic pressure; the team attributed this cool finding to the citric acid and flavonoid content of the lemon. Go easy on the grapefruit juice though, some studies have found that it can interact with common blood pressure medications, so contact your doctor first. 2. Leafy greens We all know leafy greens are good for us, but they're especially important if you want to lower your blood pressure. Take spinach; a study found that when people consumed high nitrate spinach soup for a week both measurements of their blood pressure were lowered. Or try swiss chard - this green wonder is packed full of blood-pressure-regulating potassium and magnesium. A study found that every extra 0.6g of dietary potassium eaten is associated with a 1.0mmHg reduction in systolic pressure and a 0.52mmHg reduction in diastolic pressure. 3. Seeds and Nuts Seeds and nuts might be small, but they are seriously mighty when it comes to lowering your blood pressure. They make an excellent on-the-go snack, too. Pumpkin seeds are choc-a-bloc full of magnesium and potassium. They also contain arginine, an amino acid required for the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and thus blood pressure to reduce. Chia seeds and flax seeds are also packed full of potassium and magnesium. A study found that people with high blood pressure who consumed 35g of chia seed flour a day enjoyed a reduction of blood pressure. Prefer nuts to seeds? Go for pistachios - a review found that among all the nuts researched, pistachios had the strongest effect of reducing blood pressure. 4. Olive oil When it comes to oil, go for olive. Rich in polyphenol, which improves blood vessel health, research has found that olive oil consumption can help lower blood pressure. 5. Dark Chocolate Chocoholics rejoice, you don't have to give up the good stuff! In fact, studies have shown that consuming flavanol-rich cocoa or dark chocolate can even help to lower your blood pressure. You'll want to opt for the high-quality stuff though, as sugary commercial chocolate is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. 6. Fatty Fish Craving protein? Go for fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, as these are high in omega-3 fatty acids which research has shown can help can lower blood pressure. Or pick trout and enjoy a double whammy; not only is it also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but it also contains vitamin D (a rarity for food), which may reduce blood pressure. (While the jury is still out on exactly what role vitamin D plays in blood pressure management, given 1 in 5 of us is said to be deficient in vitamin D, chowing down on trout is probably a wise move). 7. Herbs and spices Keeping your sodium low is vital for keeping your blood pressure low. But don't worry, that doesn't mean you're destined to a lifetime of bland, boring meals. One way to jazz up your recipes without ramping up your blood pressure is to swap out salt for more herbs and spices. Not only will they pack a serious flavour punch, but research indicates some of them, like black cumin, cinnamon and ginger, could even lower your blood pressure. And if you're a fiend for garlic, good news! Not only does it pep up plain food, but it may also help boost your nitric oxide levels which is ideal for lowering blood pressure. 8. Legumes Lovely legumes and palate-pleasing pulses are packed to the rafters with fibre, magnesium and potassium, all of which help to lower blood pressure. A review found that swapping out other foods for more beans and lentils lowered blood pressure in people both with and without hypertension. Other Means to Lower Your Blood Pressure It’s not all about food when it comes to lowering your blood pressure. Beside from medication, there are other ways you can alter your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure, including getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. You’ll also want to limit alcohol and coffee consumption and, if you do smoke, stop. Stress is a huge issue for many living in the modern world, but if you want to lower your blood pressure, you’ll need to find a way to manage it. Whether that means a drastic lifestyle overhaul or simply introducing a morning meditation ritual, any way you can lower the stress in your life is good news for your blood pressure.

Carob is commonly known to be a Chocolate Substitute although it rightly deserves credit of its own. The Carob plant is an evergreen tree decorated with glossy leaves, red flowers and long brown pods form on the tree, which hold seeds within sweet pulp.These seeds are the source of Locust Bean Gum - you may recognize this name.A natural ingredient to improve the texture of foods by thickening and stabilizing the food.After being sun dried, the seeds are removed and the pulp of the carob pods is ground into 'carob powder'and to make carob syrup the powder is dissolved in water and boiled to make a runny consistency.But how to use it?Carob is a natural addition to baked goods, its taste is not as rich as cocoa.It can be used as a sweetener, and replaced instead of chocolate in brownies and puddings.Note : Carob powder is less soluble than Cocoa and it can be gritty. Make a smooth paste of carob powder and warm water before adding into a drink/recipe.Carob naturally contains calcium, phosphorus, iron! Pop into our store for your sweet treat alternatives and check out our website 🌱