Hey there! I am glad you came looking for the best macadamia nut substitutes, which means I have got company. Realizing you are out of the necessary ingredients while making a recipe can get you vexed like anything. I once wanted to surprise my nephew with cookies, and to my horror, I was out of macadamia nuts. Tough nut to crack, literally!
That hit me hard and is the origin story of this article. If you are a lousy cook like me, you may want to read this article and find out the best substitutes for macadamia nuts so that you can save your day. Some of the best macadamia nut substitutes are cashews, candlenuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans.
Macadamia nut is an expensive variety of nuts that has its origin in Australia. It has an excellent flavor with sufficient nutritious values, which are sure to get us hooked on it forever. That said, it is imperative you know the substitutes for Macadamia nuts that do not compromise your recipes. Let’s get started with what macadamia nut is, shall we?
Quick Peek: Macadamia Nut
The following scribbles tell you what macadamia nut is, its flavor, texture, culinary uses, and health benefits.
What Is Macadamia Nut?
Macadamia nut is derived from the evergreen macadamia trees native to Australia. This costly buddy has other adorable names, too, like Queensland nut, bush nut, Hawaii nut, bauple nut, and so on. These nuts are now extensively produced in Hawaii.
There are four species of macadamia nut; macadamia tetraphylla and macadamia integrifolia, macadamia jansenii, and macadamia ternifolia. Among these, tetraphylla and integrifolia are used to cultivate macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts can be collected only after five years of growth. The macadamia trees are slow-growing. This makes them quite expensive. You may have to pitch in a lot more dollars than you think!
Describing Macadamia Nut: Flavor and Texture
Macadamia nut has a sweet, buttery flavor with a creamy texture. It is commonly (and ravenously) eaten and enjoyed raw for its yummy, delicious flavor. If roasted, this flavor and the crunchiness are further enhanced.
Uses Of Macadamia Nut
Macadamia nut is used popularly in combination with white chocolate for cookies. Roasted or salted macadamia nuts can brilliantly perk up the taste of your salads, desserts, muffins, or any other baked goods.
Macadamia Nut On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope
Are you wondering what makes macadamia nuts highly special among other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews? Their unique health benefits, of course!
Macadamia nuts have relatively higher fat content than other nuts (Don’t think I am nuts to call these healthy with such a load of fat in them). These nuts are high in healthy fats called monounsaturated fat which is beneficial to our body.
They have a low glycemic index which can help diabetic patients and their diet. They mitigate the risk of cancer and heart diseases. They are also highly beneficial in preventing weight gain.
Why Should We Substitute Macadamia Nut?
Why should we substitute – what a question! Macadamia nuts can easily burn a hole in your wallets due to the cost it comes with. No wonder it is cited as one of the most expensive nuts in the world.
Macadamia nuts are known for their incredible health benefits and hence are always in demand. You know what comes with high demand – shortage, of course! That is why it is imperative to find the best substitutes for macadamia nuts. So, shall we do it right away?
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9 Best Macadamia Nut Substitutes
Let me tell you the ‘academia‘ about Macadamia, get it? The nine best substitutes for Macadamia nut are as follows:
1. Cashews
Cashews are those kidney-shaped nuts that are extremely popular and versatile for their flavor and benefits. They have a mild, creamy flavor with a rich texture. They are also low in fat content.
Cashew can be the closest substitute for macadamia nut, considering the similarity in flavor and its easy availability. You can readily replace macadamia nuts with cashews in baking recipes, and you will not regret it.
2. Candlenuts
A relative of the macadamia nut tree, candlenut is also known as Indian walnut or candleberry. Candlenuts resemble macadamia nuts in flavor and texture. They have a mild, nutty flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Candlenut is your best option to replace Macadamia nuts when baking cookies or pies. They taste best when toasted. They are the best option to consider for candying.
3. Almonds
Almond is technically the fruit of the almond tree but is considered a nut. Coming from the land of Iran, all love almonds for their flavor and versatility. They taste incredibly nutty and have a crunchy texture. Almonds are relatively cheap and easily available, and they can quickly help you finish your baking recipe by substituting for macadamia nuts. These are also the best option to consider when making easy and quick almond cake.
4. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are the nuts of the hazel tree (duh!). It is very similar to macadamia nut with respect to the presence of healthy fat called monounsaturated fat. These nuts are enclosed in a hard shell. They have an earthy, nutty flavor with a sweet taste.
Hazelnuts can be a good macadamia nut substitute in both sweet and savory dishes and are easily available as well due to the similarities in flavor and texture. These are used as a topping for many dishes and are the best for making yummy cookies. Here is the list of hazelnut substitutes that you can use.
5. Pecans
Pecans are a variety of tree nuts loaded with many significant nutrients. They have a dense, sweet, buttery flavor with floral aroma hints. They have a crispy, crunchy texture. They are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat.
With a strong texture, pecans, especially toasted pecans, can be good macadamia nut substitutes in baking recipes. Toasting pecans help in softening their texture. Pecans are easily available and at less cost. Here is the recipe for pecan milk.
6. Walnuts
Walnut is a highly nutritious, single-seeded nut from the walnut tree. It has a hard shell but doesn’t let that befool you. It is incredibly delicious with a bitter and sharp, tangy flavor.
Walnut renders a crunchy texture to your recipes. Walnuts can hold well in temperatures and thus can be a good macadamia nut substitute in baking recipes. They can be used to replace macadamia nuts while making cookies or pies. You can also try and make chicken salad with grape and walnut.
7. Brazil Nuts
Coming from one of the largest trees in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil nuts are the edible seeds of the Brazil nut tree. They have a smooth, buttery flavor with a crunchy texture. They help in reducing inflammation and boost brain function and heart health.
The flavor profile of macadamia nuts makes it a viable substitute for macadamia nuts. The only downside is that Brazil nuts are expensive when it comes to other substitutes for macadamia nuts. They also have to be shelled before use in recipes.
8. Pine Nuts
Derived from pine trees, pine nuts are truly delicious and nutritious seeds (yeah, these are not nuts). They have a mild, nutty flavor with a buttery texture. They are known by many names and are used extensively in many cuisines.
You can toast pine nuts for a crunchy flavor, which can work out well as a substitute for Macadamia nuts. These are used to make pesto, parfait, salads, pasta dishes, and hummus. Check out the recipe of spinach olive for a healthy breakfast.
9. Pistachio Nuts
Pistachio nuts are green-colored, sweet nuts of the pistachio tree. They have a subtly sweet flavor with a creamy, crunchy texture. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory traits. They keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in check.
Pistachio nuts can be your last resort as a substitute for macadamia nuts considering their cost. These versatile nuts are eaten as snacks and are used in salads, sauces, doughs, and desserts.
Short Recap Of Best Macadamia Nut Substitutes
That must have been an exhaustive read on the best macadamia nut substitutes, right? Let me make it easy for you to remember the details with the help of some points.
Flavor: The best macadamia nut substitutes in terms of flavor are cashews and pecans.
Texture: The best macadamia nut substitutes in terms of texture are cashews, pecans, and walnuts.
How To Use Macadamia Nuts Substitutes In A Recipe
Macadamia Nuts Substitutes
Ingredients
- Cashews
- Candlenuts
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Pine Nuts
- Pistachio Nuts
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Final Musings
Well, you needn’t be worried anymore if you are out of macadamia nuts. The above-listed substitutes are closest in texture and flavor to macadamia nuts. You can use any of the macadamia nut substitutes according to your availability and your preference. Considering the demands of your recipe, try out these substitutes and let me know what you deem the best among them. See you soon with another article!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What nut is most similar to macadamia?
Cashew nuts are the most similar to macadamia nuts.
Are macadamia nuts actually nuts?
Macadamia nuts are not actually nuts – they are actually seeds.
How should macadamia nuts taste?
Macadamia nuts have a rich, buttery taste.
What are the substitutes for macadamia nuts in baking?
The substitutes for macadamia nuts in baking are cashews, pecans, walnuts or Brazil nuts.
Are macadamia nuts Keto friendly?
Macadamia nuts are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and thus are keto friendly.
