Are you a fan of macadamia nuts? Whether you like them for baking, for their milk, or as a nut butter, it never hurts to learn more about where macadamia nuts come from.
In this quick post, we’ll be diving into the topic of where macadamia nuts are grown, as well as why they’re expensive and their nutritional benefits. Read on to discover information you might not have known about them…
Where are Macadamia Nuts Grown?
Top 5 Countries for Macadamia Production | Percentage of World Macadamia Supply Produced |
|---|---|
South Africa | 44.34% |
Australia | 16.43% |
Kenya | 13.92% |
Germany | 5.75% |
Malawi | 5.57% |
Macadamia Nut Production Source
Although macadamia nuts come from a tree that originated in Australia, they tend to grow commercially all over the world these days. They just need an environment where they can get a decent amount of rainfall, well-draining soil, and temperatures that stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
As far as which country produces the most macadamia nuts in the world, the prize goes to South Africa. South Africa has consistently generated around 40% of the world’s macadamia nut supply and will likely continue to do so.
There are certainly other countries that grow macadamia nuts, though. Brazil, Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Germany are all examples of countries that also produce the tasty and popular nuts.
If you’re from the US, you might wonder where exactly in the states macadamia nuts are grown. One of the best states for commercial macadamia nut production is Hawaii.
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company are two large companies that produce macadamia nuts in Hawaii. They are located in Hilo and Kona respectively.
You Might Also Like: Where Are Almonds Grown?
Macadamia Nut FAQs
Why are macadamia nuts so expensive?
According to Business Insider, macadamia nuts are the world’s priciest nuts, costing consumers up to $25 per pound. Given that they have a decadent and buttery taste, it’s not surprising that there’s such a demand for them.
It’s not just a high demand for the nuts that makes them so pricy, though. Macadamia nuts take an extremely long time to grow and harvest. In fact, a single nut-producing tree can take up to a decade to mature to the point where it grows macadamia nuts.
What you’re essentially paying for, then, is time.
Can you grow macadamia nuts in California?
We mentioned earlier that most of the commercially grown macadamia nuts in the United States are grown in Hawaii. But is it possible to grow them in California, another temperate state?
The answer is yes! Macadamia nuts can indeed grow healthily in California, especially in more humid areas such as along the coast.
Read Also: Where are Pistachios Grown?
How bad are macadamia nuts for you?
One of the first questions you’ll have about any delicious food is whether or not it’s bad for you. When it comes to food that tastes really good, we’re always waiting for that other shoe to drop, to find out that something we’re into isn’t so healthy for us, after all.
So, is that the case for macadamia nuts? Are they bad for you?
You might be surprised to discover that this isn’t necessarily the case. Macadamia nuts have many health benefits, such as antioxidants and a filling property that can keep you from snacking too much.
Keep in mind that they are high in calories, though, so you’ll want to be sure to limit your macadamia nut intake.
Wrap Up
As the world’s most expensive nut, the macadamia nut naturally carries some intrigue. Aside from the curiosity it garners simply by being so luxurious, you may want to learn more about it to understand what exactly makes it so. Now you’ll know a little more about it the next time you snack on some macadamia nuts.
Want to learn more about other nuts? Check out our post about why cashews are more expensive than other nuts.