Macadamia nuts

Lord John Macadam discovered the macadamia tree around 1857 in the rain forest on the Australian East Coast. Throughout the years the number of areas offering the fruit for sale has steadily increased, including Africa, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Macadamia tree

The macadamia nut grows on a tree of about 5 metres high. In general the wild macadamia tree grows higher. The tree will only bear fruit after 5 years, and must be approximately 10 years old for top production. The macadamia tree used to have serrated edges on its leaves, but due to grafting the tree has acquired smooth leaves. Grafting has made the fruit softer and even more delicious in flavour.

Exclusive product

The price of macadamia nuts used to be very high, making it an exclusive product. This was mainly due to the fact that demand exceeded supply. Enterprising farmers thought they could make their fortune with macadamia nuts, since the price was very high. Because the number of farmers growing macadamia nuts steadily increased, there was a turning point in the market and at a certain time the supply outgrew the demand. This resulted in a price reduction, but macadamia nuts are still the most exclusive type of nut.

Nutritional value

Macadamia nuts have the highest content of unsaturated fats of all nuts. Unsaturated fat reduces the blood cholesterol level. The fatty acid content of macadamias is very similar to that of olive oil.

Further informationen to other nuts:

• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Hazelnuts
• Almonds
• Brazil-nuts
• Pecan nuts
• Pistachio nuts
• Walnuts

Nutritional value Macadamia nuts

RDA = Recommended Daily Amount
Warning: Small children can choke on nuts.