In Hawaii, unpeeled macadamias began the season with their highest net agricultural value in history, 100 cents per pound, and ended the season with a new record of 110 cents per pound. However, for the time being, demand for macadamia nuts exceeds supply, driving up prices. The high fat and sugar content makes macadamia nuts ideal for many healthy eating and weight loss programs, including the ketogenic diet, which reduces carbohydrates and emphasizes good fats. While there are ten species of macadamia trees, only 2 produce the expensive nuts, and it takes seven to 10 years for the trees to start producing nuts.
Macadamia nuts are great to eat raw or roasted as a snack. At 20.9 grams of fat per pound, they contain more fat than any other nut, which is why people used to think that macadamia nuts were unhealthy. Despite being native to Australia, macadamia trees were first cultivated commercially in Hawaii. Hawaii has the perfect climate for trees.
They need a lot of rain, rich soil and warm weather to thrive, meaning regions that don't meet those requirements have to import macadamia nuts from Hawaii, South Africa, Latin America or Australia. Known for their rich, buttery flavor, macadamia nuts are a favorite for snacking, cooking, or baking. Hawaii has the perfect climate for trees that need lots of rain, rich soil and warm weather to thrive, meaning regions that don't meet those requirements have to import macadamia nuts from Hawaii, South Africa, Latin America or Australia. While there are ten species of macadamia trees, only 2 produce the expensive nuts, and it takes seven to 10 years for the trees to start producing nuts.
Considered a high-quality dessert nut due to their rich buttery flavor, macadamia nuts are a popular treat and a modern import in countries such as China and the United States. These chopped macadamia nuts taste the same as regular macadamia nuts, but are cut into small pieces so that they can be used in baking and are easier to chop. The next time you're looking for a snack or want to bake, enjoy finely chopped macadamia nuts at a good price.
