Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Macadamia Nuts
Dec 4, 2019
Macadamia nuts are actually seeds, not nuts! Discover their intriguing journey from Australia to Hawaii and the hurdles they overcame. Learn about their ideal growing conditions, culinary versatility, and unique flavor profile. Find out why they're so pricey, uncovering the labor and growth factors involved. Plus, explore their impressive nutritional benefits, including vitamins and healthy fats, wrapped in humorous anecdotes about overindulgence and a buoyancy experiment with these tasty treats.
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Macadamia Nuts: Seeds, Not Nuts
- Macadamia nuts are actually seeds, not nuts, like Brazil nuts.
- Nuts are fruits with hard shells containing seeds, while seeds are plant embryos with seed coats.
Hawaiian Origins
- Macadamia trees, native to Australia, were introduced to Hawaii in 1881 by William Purvis.
- He planted them as windbreaks for sugar plantations, not realizing their seed's potential.
Rise in Popularity
- Macadamia nuts didn't gain popularity until the 1920s, partly due to the collapse of the coffee market in Hawaii.
- The government then subsidized macadamia nut farming to diversify the economy.