Australia is where the world's most excellent nuts first evolved. Macadamia nuts, also known as bush nuts, Queensland nuts, maroochi nuts or Hawaii nuts are the fruit of the macadamia tree. This evergreen plant can reach 12 m (40 ft) in height. The leaves are usually elliptical, the flowers are slender, and the nuts themselves are incredibly woody and hard with a pointed apex, containing one or two seeds. Macadamia nuts were named after the Scottish-Australian chemist, politician, and teacher John Macadam.
Flowering commences in August through September. It can happen earlier or later depending on weather conditions. The nuts are harvested after they have fallen to the ground. In New South Wales mature nuts begin to fall in early March and harvest continues for a few months. The peak time for nuts to drop is late May and June.
Macadamias are a rich source of Vitamin A, protein, thiamin, iron, riboflavin, and folates. They also contain moderate amounts of copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Australians love their macadamias. According to recent studies, 83% of purchasers like the taste more than any other nut, and almost two-thirds think macadamias make any occasion more special. We couldn’t agree more!
