Latin Name:
Macadamia integrifolia
Physical Description:
Macadamia trees are small to medium sized evergreens. The leaves are shiny and with curling edges. The bark is grayish and multicolored. Macadamia nuts grow inside bright green balls that darken upon ripening to brown.
Usage:
Macadamias nuts are eaten roasted, as nut butter. The oil is highly prized among chefs for it's bright fresh flavor.
Factoids:
Macadamias are not native to Hawaii; the first one was planted there in 1882 by a sugar plant manager. The nut was widely cultivated in Hawaii in the early 20th century because the nuts were considered chic and fancy.
