Macadamia Nuts: A Symbol of Hawaii
Looking for gifts to bring home? Macadamia Nuts are almost a symbol of Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii grows almost 90% of the world’s macadamia nuts, which makes it almost mandatory for all visitors to bring some back as a highlight of their trip. Native to Australia, the first Hawaiian macadamia nut tree has been said to be planted on the Big Island in 1882. A tree finally made its way to Oahu in 1921, but did not start processing commercially until 1934, with international distributed starting 1976.
Also known as Macadamia Nut Clusters, people buy Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts by the dozens. Today chocolate macadamia nuts come in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, caramel, and even fruit. Macadamia Nuts can even be sold as cooking oil, which is known to have a higher smoke point than olive oil, is lower in polyunsaturated fats and many believe is the better choice for cooking.
Macadamia Nut Health Benefits
Nuts, in general, are known to be a very healthy way of snacking. Macadamia Nuts are rich with Vitamin A, iron, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folates. They also contain moderate amounts of zinc, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Macadamia contains antioxidants like polyphenols, amino acids, flavones, and selenium. It also increases your good cholesterol while decreasing your bad cholesteroal. Macadamia Nuts are one of the seven healthiest nuts to snack on. While you’re in Hawaii you should open a box for yourself as an end of day reward to a great day. When you go back home, you’ll need to share these end of day rewards with the people you care about.
Where to Find Them
Chocolate Covered Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts also come in various sizes, from small snack pouches to a deluxe double layer of 48 morsels. Most stores carry a convenient carrying case of 6-boxes, Costco and Marukai have a carrying case that holds a dozen boxes. They are so easy to find that they are sold in almost every major store in Hawaii, including Costco, Long’s (also known as CVS), Safeway, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. For those who prefer a more savory treat, Macadamia Nuts can be found roasted and salted in cans, bottles, and pouches.
There are four main brands: Hawaiian Host, Hawaiian Sun, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts, and Menehune Mac. There are many other brands, each has something special to offer, so you may as well buy them all.
