Macadamia Nut Carrier Oil (Macadamia ternifolia)

The plant: The macadamia tree is native to Australia, and grows in sub-tropical areas and forests of northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The trees grow to a height of 36 feet but can reach a height of 65 feet. The tree has white or pale pink blossom and is self pollinating.

Therapeutic properties: This oil makes a good massage oil with good keeping properties as it has a good resistance to rancidity. A good skin lubricant, and easily absorbed by the skin. The high levels of palmitoleic acid present in macadamia oil are not found in any other oil: they are found in human sebum. So macadamia could be useful for older people.

The oil: The macadamia has a good resistance to rancidity, because the macadamia oil is mostly made up of triacylglycerols that contain monounsaturated fatty acid.

Extraction method: The macadamia oil is cold pressed at a low temperature. Solvents are not used and the oil retains its natural properties.

Latin name: Macadamia ternifolia.

Family: Proteaceae.