increase font size
Analysis of Torere Macadamias nuts, grown in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, have shown they have promising concentrations of three key nutrients. Copyright: Torere Macadamias.
Macadamia nuts grown in New Zealand may be an option for those looking at a healthier diet.
Preliminary analysis of Torere Macadamias nuts, grown in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, have shown they have promising concentrations of three key nutrients – vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium. This was more than comparative macadamias in the research project that were grown overseas.
The analysis also showed that the vitamin B6 found in Torere Macadamias nuts reached the concentration known to be good for a range of health benefits. This includes combating tiredness and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
n addition to vitamin B6, several micro-nutrients were also at concentrations shown to have positive health benefits. These include a good source of manganese (for bone and joint health) and a source of magnesium (for bone and oral health, and for the brain and nervous system) and dietary fibre (for digestive health). The nuts were also found to be low in sodium and cholesterol and free from trans fatty acids.
The analysis of six varieties of Torere Macadamias nuts, funded by the High-Value Nutrition National Science (HVN) Challenge, was conducted for inclusion in the New Zealand Food Composition Database, managed by Plant & Food Research and jointly owned by the Ministry of Health.
“Knowing what nutrients are at dietary significant quantities in foods allows consumers to choose a diet personalised to meet the criteria of importance to them,” says Dr Carolyn Lister from Plant & Food Research.
“Having high concentrations of nutrients known to be good for health also allows companies to highlight these nutrients in the marketing of their products, giving them way to stand out against competitors.”
Torere Macadamias says it will use the information to support expansion of its product range. The company is planning to launch a new marketing campaign to maximise and highlight the high nutrient value of their macadamias in early 2023.
“Torere Macadamias nuts are reputably the biggest and best tasting in the world. Knowing more about them is useful for both consumers looking for healthy choices and for growers looking to potentially incorporate macadamias into their own orchards,” says Vanessa Hayes. “This analysis of six of our best performing varieties, based on 30 years of research trials, provides validation for these varieties being the base of New Zealand’s macadamia industry’s future growth, with an aim of 1,000 hectares by 2029.”
Joanne Todd, director of the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, believes this research has the potential to give New Zealand- grown macadamia a competitive advantage.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
Reaction to the Government’s major overhaul of the country’s seven crown research organisations has so far been largely positive.
The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).
Later this month, Ardgour Valley Orchards apricots will burst onto the world stage and domestic supermarket shelves under the Temptation Valley brand.
Regenerative farming trials in Gisborne, in partnership with Woolworths, LeaderBrand, and Plant & Food Research, are uncovering promising opportunities for sustainable vegetable farming in New Zealand.
Global trade has been thrown into another bout of uncertainty following the overnight ruling by US Supreme Court, striking down President Donald Trump's decision to impose additional tariffs on trading partners.
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill have been lifted.
Fonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.
Farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at the refrigerants running inside their on-farm systems, as international and domestic pressure continues to build on high global warming potential (GWP) 400-series refrigerants.
As expected, Fonterra has lifted its 2025-26 forecast farmgate milk price mid-point to $9.50/kgMS.
Bovonic says a return on investment study has found its automated mastitis detection technology, QuadSense, is delivering financial, labour, and animal-health benefits on New Zealand dairy farms worth an estimated $29,547 per season.
OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…
OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.
