"MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIO"

Northern Advocate, 19 April 1933, Page 9

"MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIO"

AX INDUSTRY WORTH ENCOURAGING.

The following is taken from “The Producers’ Review/’ published in Queensland: — If this Journal helps in the sponsoring of a new industry in Queensland, our readers can have confidence in the. good faith of those who stand behind the movement. Repeatedly we. have warned readers against alluring propositions advertised in the newspapers, and on a number of occasions have exposed the wiles of “gold brick” operators.

The Australian Nut Association is responsible for a movement having for its objective the development of nntgrowiug —an industry which it is claim-

ed will give Australia a valuable exportable product. The Association makes this claim: —

“The ‘Macadamia Ternifolia’ is the best edible nut in the world for flavour and food value —valuable to food manufacturers for its wonderful edible oil and white kernel, without a skin. Therein it lias its nearest commercial competitors —largely used by nut food specialists and manufacturing confectioners, viz., almonds, pecans, walnuts, and peanuts —badly beaten. This nut has commercially no waste, as whole nuts will bring a good price for table use, half kernels will be in demand by confectioners, as well as chips and pieces, to be ‘ dessicated' or made into nut paste, and will also be in demand by those manufacturers who make salad oils; edible oils for its water white-, colour and slightly nutty flavour; medicinal and toilet oil by those specialising therein, to -replace expensive imported oils —always provided big quantities are available, rancidity avoided, and price competitive.

The oil from the “ Macadamia Ternifolia” is :i valuable one for salads, snap-making and for conversion into an edible fat; it will always find a ready market, It is believed to have a medicinal value, although not a laxative. Mr. E. W. Carter, manager drug department, Taylor and Elliots, states it is the only nil he knows that is miseible with the saliva. It is almost tasteless, odourless and with a nutty character, almost water white in appearance, and the analysis report that it otherwise closely resembles the best olive oil.

The association reports that inquiries for a large number of tons have already been received, and there is a world market waiting for oue of the best table nuts known when service and price become reliable and competitive. The Hawaiian growers are now in touch with the association with a proposition to take the- whole of the

Queensland crop and market it in America with theirs; or, alternatively, to join with them in a marketing campaign. The Hawaiian crop will only touch the fringe - of the market. ' /

We are advised that the growing 'of nut trees is a sound proposition for coastal farmers and those having suitable land in mountain country with good slopes free from frost. Thousands of tons of nuts can be marketed soon to bring in a net margin over all expenses of at least £25 per acre of ten to twelve-year-old’bearing trees.

Professor .1. A. Neilson, Nut Specialist and Researc.li Specialist in Horticulture, has written to the association as follows: “I have often wondered why Australia did not pay more attention to the Queensland nut. Hi my opinion it is the best nut grown anywhere in the world, and if it could be put on the market in sufficient quantities, would undoubtedly command a good price and a ready sale. Ido not think any of our nuts can quite come up to the Queensland nut in flavour. ’’