Macadamia Nuts

The macadamia nut tree (Macadamia integrifolia) originated in the rain forests of Queensland, Australia, and was first domesticated in 1858. In 1882 William Purvis brought the first macadamia nut trees to Hawaii, where they were widely planted. The horticulturist Walter Storey introduced macadamia trees to California, and other states have attempted to grow them. However, most of the world’s commercial macadamias are still grown in Hawaii. Creamy-fleshed macadamias are the highest in fat and calories of all tree nuts; they are usually enjoyed on their own but are also incorporated into candies, cookies, and luxurious desserts.