Macadamia oil
Macadamia oil (or macadamia nut oil) is the non-volatile oil expressed from the nut meat of the macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) tree, a native Australian nut. Macadamia oil is sometimes used in food as a frying or salad oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient or fragrance fixative.
Physical properties
Macadamia nuts contain over 75% of their weight as oil, the remainder is: 9.0% proteins, 9.3% carbohydrates, 1.5% moisture, 1.6% mineral matters and 2.0% fiber. The kernels of macadamia contain vitamin A1, B1, B2, niacin and essential elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. The oil is a triglyceride oil and contains primarily monounsaturated fats up to 80-84 %. Macadamia oil contains the highest percentage of monounsaturates when compared to both olive and canola oils (www.macnut.co.nz ).[1]
Macadamia integrifolia is an Australian tree with holly-like leaves that grows well in a moist organic soil and will survive temperatures of 24 °F. Seedlings bear in 5–7 years. The fruit is borne in a case enclosing an extremely hard spherical nut. The kernel is whitish, sweet and eaten raw or roasted. The flowers are white to cream and the leaves are in whorls of three. Propagation is by seed, grafting or air layering. It is grown commercially.[2]
Common names of the trees are, Australian nut and Queensland nut. Species are “smooth shelled macadamia” called Macadamia integrifolia and “rough shelled macadamia” called Macadamia tetraphylla. Macadamia ternifolia is also the name used for M. integrifolia. Macadamia integrifolia is native to Australia where it grows in rain forests and close to streams. Macadamia tetraphylla is native to Southeastern Queensland and Northeastern New South Wales. The oil content ranges from 65% to 75% and sugar content ranges from 6% to 8%. These factors result in variable colors and texture when the nuts are roasted under the same conditions (www.crfg.org).[2]
Macadamia oil is liquid at room temperature. The refined oil is clear, lightly amber-colored with a slightly nutty smell. It has a specific gravity of 900-920 and a flash point of over 300OC.[3]
Oil accumulation does not commence until the nuts are fully grown and the shell hardens. It accumulates rapidly in the kernel during late summer when the reducing sugar content decreases. The composition of mature, roasted and salted macadamia nuts is shown. As with many oil seeds, the protein is low in methionine. Fresh kernels contain up to 4.6% sugar, mostly non-reducing sugar. The oil consists of mainly unsaturated fatty acids and is similar in both species, although the proportion of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids appears to be slightly higher in M. integrifolia (6.2:1 compared with 4.8:1). The fatty acid composition and the absence of cholesterol may lead to the promotion of macadamias as a high-energy health food. The major volatile components in roasted macadamia kernels are apparently similar to those found in other roasted nuts, although little detailed information is available.[4]
Nutritive value (g/100g) of macadamia nuts roasted in oil and salted.[4]
| Water (%) | 2 |
| Energy (KJ) | 3064 |
| Protein (g) | 7.1 |
| Fat (g) | 78.6 |
| Fatty acids Saturated (g) | 11.4 |
| Monounsaturated (g) | 61.1 |
| Polyunsaturated (g) | 0.014 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 14.3 |
| Calcium (mg) | 46.4 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 203.6 |
| Iron (mg) | 1.8 |
| Potassium (mg) | 332.1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 264.3 |
| Sodium – unsalted raw (mg) | 7.1 |
| Thiamin (mg) | 0.21 |
| Riboflavin (mg) | 0.11 |
| Nicotinic acid (mg) | 2.14 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 0.12 |
| Zinc (mg) | 1.4 |
| Manganese (mg) | 0.38 |
| Copper (mg) | 0.33 |
Chemical makeup
| Parameter | Units | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFA (oleic acid) | % | 1.5 | |
| Peroxide value | meqO2/Kg | 5.0 | |
| Saponification value | mg/KOH/gr | ||
| C:16:0 Palmitic | % | 7.0 | 10.0 |
| C:16:1 Palmitoleic | % | 14.0 | 22.0 |
| C:18:0 Stearic | % | 2.0 | 5.5 |
| C:18:1 Oleic | % | 53.0 | 67.0 |
| C:18:2 Linoleic | % | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| C:20:0 Arachidic | % | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| C:20:1 Gadoleic | % | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| C:22:0 Behenic | % | 1.0 |
| Parameter | Units | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFA (oleic acid) | % | <0.8 | |
| Peroxide value | meqO2/Kg | <20.0 | |
| Saponification value | mg/KOH/gr | ||
| C:16:0 Palmitic | % | 7.5 | 20.0 |
| C:16:1 Palmitoleic | % | 0.3 | 3.5 |
| C:18:0 Stearic | % | 0.5 | 5.0 |
| C:18:1 Oleic | % | 55.0 | 83.0 |
| C:18:2 Linoleic | % | 3.5 | 21.0 |
| C:18:3 Linolenic | % | 0 | <1.0 |
| C:20:0 Arachidic | % | <0.6 | |
| C:20:1 Gadoleic | % | <0.4 |
Macadamia oil contains approximately 60% oleic acid, 19% palmitoleic acid, 1-3% linoleic acid and 1-2% α-linolenic acid. Some varieties contain roughly equal omega-6 and omega-3. Although macadamia is cultivated in many different parts of the world, the oil's fatty acid profile is not greatly influenced by environmental factors. The oil displays chemical properties typical of a vegetable triglyceride oil. It is also very stable due to its low polyunsaturated fat content.[8]
Uses in food
Macadamia oil is an excellent frying oil due to its high heat capacity. It can substitute for butter in baking and imparts a nutty flavor to baked goods.[9] Several properties of macadamia oil are particularly important for use as an edible oil:
- It contains up to 85% monounsaturated fats
- It has an unrefrigerated shelf life of one to two years
- It has a smoke point of 410 °F (210 °C)
- Has a flashpoint of over 300 °C (572 °F)
This is a comparison chart of some of the more common vegetable oils:
| Vegetable oils | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Processing Treatment | Saturated fatty acids[10] | Mono- unsaturated fatty acids[10] | Polyunsaturated fatty acids | Oleic acid (ω-9) | Smoke point | ||
| Total poly[10] | linolenic acid (ω-3) | Linoleic acid (ω-6) | ||||||
| Canola (rapeseed) | 7.365 | 63.276 | 28.142 | 10 | 10 | 400 °F (204 °C)[11] | ||
| Coconut | 91.000 | 6.000 | 3.000 | 2 | 6 | 350 °F (177 °C)[11] | ||
| Corn[12] | 12.948 | 27.576 | 54.677 | 1 | 58 | 28 | 450 °F (232 °C) | |
| Cottonseed | 25.900 | 17.800 | 51.900 | 1 | 54 | 19 | 420 °F (216 °C)[12] | |
| Flaxseed/Linseed (European)[13] | 7.500 | 15.500 | 79.000 | 64 | 15 | 11 | 225 °F (107 °C) | |
| Olive | 14.000 | 72.000 | 14.000 | 1.5 | 15 | 380 °F (193 °C)[11] | ||
| Palm | 49.300 | 37.000 | 9.300 | 10 | 40 | 455 °F (235 °C) | ||
| Peanut | 16.900 | 46.200 | 32.000 | 32 | 48 | 437 °F (225 °C)[12] | ||
| Safflower (>70% linoleic) | 8.000 | 15.000 | 75.000 | 410 °F (210 °C)[11] | ||||
| Safflower (high oleic) | 7.541 | 75.221 | 12.820 | 410 °F (210 °C)[11] | ||||
| Soybean | 15.650 | 22.783 | 57.740 | 7 | 50 | 24 | 460 °F (238 °C)[12] | |
| Sunflower (<60% linoleic) | 10.100 | 45.400 | 40.100 | 0.2 | 39.8 | 45.3 | 440 °F (227 °C)[12] | |
| Sunflower (>70% oleic) | 9.859 | 83.689 | 3.798 | 440 °F (227 °C)[12] | ||||
| Cottonseed (hydrogenated)[10] | Hydrogenated | 93.600 | 1.529 | 0.587 | 0.287 | |||
| Palm (hydrogenated) | Hydrogenated | 47.500 | 40.600 | 7.500 | ||||
| Soybean (hydrogenated)[10] | Hydrogenated | 21.100 | 73.700 | 0.400 | 0.096 | |||
| Values as percent (%) by weight of total fat. | ||||||||
Uses in cosmetics
Palmitoleic acid at such a high concentration is rarely found in vegetable oils. This fatty acid is mostly found in fish oils. Palmitoleic acid is found in macadamia oil in concentrations as high as 21% (Ako et al., 1995).[14] This fatty acid is secreted by young children’s sebaceous glands giving them pulp and dewy skin. It almost disappears from the sebum by aging (www.users.bigpond.com). It helps to recapture the skin of childhood. It effectively hydrates dry and rough skin and reduces the appearance of the fine lines including those around the eyes. It is ideal for use where penetration and lubrication are essential and provides amazing slip for massaging. It shows excellent absorbency with protective barrier which does not clog the pores of the skin. It is non toxic, non allergenic and non-staining. It is easily removed by soapy water. It is well known that lipid peroxidation damages cell membranes. It was determined that the presence of palmitoleic acid plays a role in this protection.[15] Use of macadamia nut oil may protect cells in a similar manner. This may be particularly true in skin exposed to excessive sunlight. It is also an excellent emollient and possesses a good afterfeel and superior spreading coefficient. Macadamia oil's rich, cushiony skinfeel and high oxidative stability make it especially suitable for heavy creams and suncare formulations.[1] Derivatives of macadamia oil in cosmetics include the light emollient ethyl macadamiate and water-soluble PEG-16 macadamia glycerides.
Polarity of the oil phase has a great influence on the formulation and properties of the cosmetic emulsions. Polarity of the oil phase is considered as an essential factor for the stability of water-in-oil emulsions (Dietz 1999a).[16] Polarity of macadamia nut oil was found to be 525.50 nm±0.29 nm (SE). This is considered as highly polar. Polar oils may enhance solubility of oil soluble cosmetic ingredients. Heat stability of emulsions prepared with strongly polar and non-polar oils were found to give emulsions with poor stability which is generally experienced with natural oils. (Dietz 1999a)[16]
Macadamia oil is an excellent botanical replacement for mink oil in most applications. It is also used for hair.
Macadamia oil's INCI name is macadamia ternifolia seed oil. CAS Numbers: 128497-20-1
References
- 1 2 Akhtar et al., Gomal University Journal of Research, 22: 21-27 (2006). "EVALUATION OF BASIC PROPERTIES OF MACADAMIA NUT OIL". Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- 1 2 "MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA". CRFG. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ↑ "MSDS Macadamia Nut Oil". AAKO. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- 1 2 "Macadamia Nuts". Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- ↑ "Macadamia Nut Oil" (PDF). McKinley Resources, Inc. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ↑ "Chemistry and quality of olive oil" (PDF). primefacts. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ↑ "Chemical Characteristics". Olive Oil Source. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ↑ Kleemann, Michael (7 Mar 2010). "Organic & Natural Life - Business Opportunities". xing.com. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ↑ "Macadamia Nut Oil's Cooking Benefits". Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Nutrient database, Release 24". United States Department of Agriculture. All values in this column are from the USDA Nutrient database unless otherwise cited.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Katragadda, H. R.; Fullana, A. S.; Sidhu, S.; Carbonell-Barrachina, Á. A. (2010). "Emissions of volatile aldehydes from heated cooking oils". Food Chemistry 120: 59. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.09.070.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wolke, Robert L. (May 16, 2007). "Where There's Smoke, There's a Fryer". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Fatty acid composition of important plant and animal fats and oils (German) 21 December 2011, Hans-Jochen Fiebig, Münster
- ↑ Ako H, Okoda D and Gray D (1995). "Healthful new oil from macadamia nuts". Nutrition. 11(3): 286–8.
- ↑ Ken K (1991). "Kukui and macadamia nut oil". Cosm. & Toil. 160(11).
- 1 2 Dietz T. "Basic properties of cosmetic oils and their relevence to emulsion preparations". SÖFW-Journal. 125(7): 2–7.
External links
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Martha Stewart Living, page 148 article on oils in June 2013 magazine written by Rebecca Misner.