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What are Macadamia Nuts?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Macadamia nuts are rich, flavorful nuts native to the continent of Australia, although they are also cultivated in Hawaii. These nuts made an important traditional food source for native Australians, who called them Jindilli or Kindal Kindal nuts. They are almost always found shelled, which means that they should be carefully stored so that they do not become rancid. Several suppliers also ship these nuts directly to consumers.

The macadamia genus includes eight species, two of which produce nuts which are a viable food source. John Macadam was the first to describe the genus, and by scientific convention, it was named for him. This genus of flowering trees is found in the family Proteaceae, and most of them actually produce poisonous or inedible nuts. Macadamia trees with food value have been cultivated for over one hundred years, and several farmers have produced distinct cultivars with unique traits such as particularly large or flavorful nuts.

Australia produces over one-third of all the world's macadamia nuts each year as of 2011.
Australia produces over one-third of all the world's macadamia nuts each year as of 2011.

Aboriginal Australians made macadamia nuts an important part of their diets, since the nuts are high in protein, along with an assortment of vitamins and minerals. Early explorers in the region were introduced to the nuts, which they called Queensland or Bush nuts, in a reference to the region in which they were found. Macadamia nuts quickly became a popular food item, and several specimen trees were imported to Hawaii for cultivation in the 1880s. The nuts are now closely associated with Hawaii, with several macadamia producers heavily marketing their products as quintessentially Hawaiian.

The nuts grow in extremely hard kernels which are very difficult to crack open. This is one of the reasons why macadamia nuts are so costly, since they are challenging to shell. Once cracked, the shell reveals an ivory colored kernel which is rich in oil with a buttery, creamy flavor. The nuts may be eaten out of hand, roasted, or ground into nut butter. Many people pair macadamia nuts with white chocolate in confections, and they can also be found in nut mixes and other desserts.

Because macadamia nuts are so high in fat, you should refrigerate them for the longest shelf life. If kept at room temperature, the nuts may go rancid. Try to use them quickly in either case, as they generally taste better fresh. Toasting also highlights their flavor; to toast macadamia nuts, either roast them in a heavy pan or bake them, turning them occasionally until they turn golden brown.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon295707

@amypollick: It's not just you, me too. It feels like if I eat too much then I start feeling ill. Also the reason why I only eat a few a week.

amypollick

@anon289593: Macadamia nuts are about the size of a marble, or a grape. They are roundish, similar to a filbert or hazelnut. They are cream-colored and sort of waxy looking.

Their taste, to me, is sort of a cross between a brazil nut and a filbert. I like them, but they are a very rich, fatty nut, and you can't eat them by the handful like you can peanuts or pecans or cashews. I can't, anyway. Two or three and I'm done.

anon289593

Anyone want to describe macadamia nuts? e.g appearance, taste, texture?

anon69046

for anyone else finding this via posterity like me: yes macadamias are safe (and extra delicious) to eat raw. unless you're allergic, in which case raw/cooked should make no difference.

overcomer8

Are they safe to eat raw. I ate raw cashews a few days ago and now look like a strawberry. I am allergic to poison ivy. I have been taking oil of oregano. I am grateful since I think my reaction would have been a lot worst.

surreallife

Just recently I had an opportunity to see and taste fresh macadamia nuts. They are almost perfectly round with a very hard, dark brown shell. Raw, they have a different, but interesting taste. Very nice.

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    • Australia produces over one-third of all the world's macadamia nuts each year as of 2011.
      By: Tupungato
      Australia produces over one-third of all the world's macadamia nuts each year as of 2011.