Guide Note

Macadamia nuts are frequently brought back as a souvenir from trips to Hawaii, which is one of the places that they are grown. Macadamia trees also grow in dry climates that aren't too hot, including in California, Australia and South Africa. Somewhat of a delicacy, macadamia nuts are expensive due to their extraordinarily hard shell which makes them difficult to harvest, and their value for things besides eating. Macadamia oil is coveted for its use in cosmetics.

Fast Facts

1. Native to Australia
2. Heavily produced in Hawaii
3. Should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer
4. Has hardest shell of any nut
5. The tree is named after John Macadam, a botanist
6. Shell can only open with 300 psi force
7. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs

Since macadamia nuts themselves have a soft meat, they are more often used as ingredients in desserts than in savory dishes. White chocolate and macadamia nuts are a classic pairing. The nuts are often found in cookies, bars, ice cream and other sweet things. They are also used as an ingredient in Hawaiian-style food, such to provide a crust for fish.