Macadamia nuts are tree nuts native to Australia, belonging to the Proteaceae family. They are now grown in various regions, including Hawaii, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. John Macadam, a Scottish-Australian botanist, first scientifically described the macadamia tree. Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla are the two main commercial species. Other names for macadamia nuts include Queensland nut, bush nut, maroochi nut, and bauple nut.
Macadamia nuts have a mild, butter-like flavor and a creamy texture. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients. Macadamias are naturally low in sugar and carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index. The nuts are often roasted and salted and used in chocolates, baked goods, and confectionery. Macadamia nuts are versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten raw or used in recipes. They can be purchased in shelled form or as kernels (roasted, raw, salted, and unsalted). The global wholesale price for raw macadamia nuts ranges from $7.05 to $28.73 USD per kilogram. In the U.S., the wholesale price range is approximately US$ 6.77 to US$ 13.53 per kilogram. Macadamia nuts are available from various retailers, including Nuts.com, Walmart, Costco, and We Got Nuts.