MACADAMIA FILLED WITH 'GOOD FAT'

If you've ever tried to crack open a raw macadamia nut, you know that it is a labor-intensive process. It can take up to six years after planting to harvest the first crop. The trees bear annually after that. These extremely delicate nuts are covered by such a hard shell that they require 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack. The real trick is to get the kernel out in one perfect piece.

Macadamias have a reputation for being unusually high in fat. This is true, but over 80% of the fatty acids in macadamia nuts are of the monounsaturated type, more than even olive oil. Monounsaturated fat (often called " the good fat") has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and may even have some cleansing effect on the arteries. Because of the potential benefits of highly monounsaturated oils, they are the subject of considerable research. Like all vegetable products, macadamia nuts have no cholesterol and, unless roasted and salted, little sodium.

So when choosing which fats to include in your diet, remember that the monounsaturated fats are likely to have the greatest positive effect on your health. So if you are going to include macadamia oil in your recipes, you might enjoy the variety of specialty oils from Oils of Aloha.

Check out our website at: Macadamia Cooking & Salad Recipes for more recipe ideas like this one.

Pele's Fire Grilled Ahi with Tropical Salsa

1 cup diced fresh pineapple

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp. grated lime peel

3 Tbsp. Oils of Aloha Pele's Fire Macadamia Oil

2 (8 oz. each) ahi (tuna) or swordfish fillets

Freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl combine pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, basil, lime juice, lime peepl and 2 tablespoons of the macadamia oil; blend well. Chill. In a shallow dish sprinkle fish fillets with black pepper and baste with he remaining 1 tablespoon macadamia oil. Grill or broil about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until desired doneness. Makes 2 servings.