Australia is famous for many things, mostly its unusual array of beasts that are beautiful and deadly in equal measure. Guests every year dream of seeing the Kangaroo, the Koala, and even the unusual yet beautiful platypus in their natural habitat. Few know, however, that the humble and glorious macadamia nut finds its home here. Macadamia Nut Day raises awareness of this delicious tree nut and its long and interesting history.
History of Macadamia Nut Day
Macadamia trees are native to Australia, and are a genus of trees that comprises for separate species, each producing a delicious and edible nut. Known also as the Hawaii nut (more on that later), the maroochi nut, Queensland nut, and even the curiously named bauple nut, it has spread all over the world from its humble origins down under. These days it is one of the most highly sought after nuts, most famous for being the crowning feature of the White chocolate macadamia nut cookie, arguably one of the best cookies to come into existence since the chocolate chip cookie.
The nut itself was first discovered (at least among Europeans) by Allan Cunningham in 1828, but it took another 29 years for it to be named. It was named by Ferdinand von Mueller, a German-Australian Chemist and botanist, after his good friend John Macadam. In 1882 the trees were cultivated in Hawaii to help protect sugar cane, but they didn’t come into agricultural cultivation until 1888. From there it has consistently exploded into popularity, and has become a mainstay of the nut industry.
How to celebrate Macadamia Nut Day
We suggest getting yourself a big old container of roasted macadamia nuts and snacking away as a solid and healthy start to your celebrations. Then you can take the time to indulge in as many white chocolate macadamia nuts as you can consume. Take no shame, we know there’s nothing in the world that makes Macadamia Nut Day a joy to experience than reveling in the gluttonous consumption of mass quantities of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. If you’re really feeling adventurous, make some yourself!
