National Macadamia Nut Day

National Macadamia Nut Day is every year on September 4th. Historians, gourmets, and culinary experts refer to macadamia nuts as the “Australian pearl,” known for thousands of years but not yet fully appreciated. If you think Australia is just about kangaroos, picturesque scenery, and wildlife, it’s time to delve deeper into its rich history.

History

Macadamia trees, which produce the nuts, were originally found in Australia and belong to a genus comprising four species. Today, these plants have spread worldwide but are considered rare and therefore especially valuable. The nuts are used in cooking and cosmetics, with white chocolate cookies with macadamia nuts being a common gourmet favorite.

Interesting Facts

• Macadamia nuts are also known as bauple, maroochi, Hawaii, or Queensland nuts.
• These trees were discovered by Australian Aborigines around 1000 years ago.
• Allan Cunningham brought the nut to Europe in 1828, but the fruit is named after chemist John McAdam.
• In the late 19th century, trees were planted in Hawaii to protect sugar cane plantations from adverse weather, not initially for culinary use.
• While toxic to dogs, macadamia nuts are a source of vitamins and nutrients for humans and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their monounsaturated fats content.

How to Take Part

Celebrate by grabbing some tasty and nutritious nuts from your local store. If you’re looking for variety, prepare the nuts in different ways, such as roasted in nut milk, nut flour, or nut cream. Learn more about these trees, their cultivation, harvest processes, and share this information on social networks.

When is National Macadamia Nut Day in 2024?

National Macadamia Nut Day is a celebration of cheerfulness and fun, observed annually on September 4th.