Macadamia Nuts

Plant Description

There are two madacdamia species used to produce edible nuts -
Macadamia integrifolia, and Macadamia tetraphylla. Both species are found in rainforest areas of south east Queensland, and M. tetraphylla extends further south to Lismore, NSW. Macadamia are sometimes called Queensland Nuts.

The nuts arise on racemes following the white bottle brush like flowers. These nuts fall from the trees on ripening, and then the green casing splits open to reveal the brown nut with a very hard shell. I use a vice to crack open the shell. Ordinary nutcrackers are not strong enough. Inside the brown shell is the delicious white edible flesh.

Many varieties have been propagated. The trees range in habit from narrow and upright, to widely spreading. Unfortunately much early work in selecting forms was done by Americans in Hawaii. Today, there are many farms in south east Queensland and northern NSW growing macadamias, and some processing plants.

Usage

Macadamias are probably Australia's best known native produce. They are eaten raw, or roasted. Macadamia is used to flavour many products such as icecream and cakes.

Macadamia nuts on the tree.

"Macadamia Nut Oil is the healthiest culinary oil available today."