Food - Drink
Most Of The World's Macadamia Nuts Come From This Country
By KATHERINE BECK
When you think of macadamia nuts, the place that comes to mind is probably Hawaii, since the nation's cuisine uses plenty of these unique nuts, but Hawaiians do not grow nor consume the most macadamias in the world. The leading producer of macadamias is actually across the ocean from North America.
South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts, with an average annual harvest of 57,000 tonnes of in-shell nuts and around 15,700 tonnes of macadamia nut kernels. The nut originated in Australia, which was the top macadamia producer for many years, until the tree was exported to other locations.
Top importers of South African macadamias include the U.S., China, and Vietnam. While Hawaii is not the top grower, commercial production of macadamias began there following a 1940's breakthrough in nut-cracking machinery, and the growing of macadamias and their use in local cuisine is still a source of pride for Hawaiians.