News

East coast of Australia in full macadamia bloom!

Australians are encouraged to ‘çrack a mac’ on World Macadamia Nut Day today (Sept 4) to celebrate our iconic native macadamia nut and the 800 growers who produce them.

“It’s a proud day for our local macadamia growers,” says Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) CEO Jolyon Burnett.

“Macadamias originated on the east coast of Australia, and today they will be celebrated all over the world.” 

Harvest has just drawn to a close in Australian macadamia orchards, meaning macadamias are at their peak of freshness and flavour right now.

“Nearly 100% of the macadamias you’ll find in supermarkets and whole food stores in Australia are locally grown, processed and packaged here in Australia. So, it’s easy to support Aussie macadamia farmers every time you grab a pack of delicious macadamias!” says Mr. Burnett.

And if you needed more reasons to enjoy our homegrown nut, then a recent survey of macadamia fans in Australia has revealed that macadamia lovers choose macadamias for their amazing taste, Australian origins, and multiple health benefits.

Now that harvest has come to an end, locals are witnessing the spectacular blossoming of macadamia trees in all growing regions including Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gympie, Glass House Mountains in Queensland and the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley and mid north coast of NSW. This signals the start of the new season, and next year’s crop.

In honour of this special event, Australian Macadamias will be giving away lots of prizes on social media today. Visit Australian Macadamias on Facebook or @ausmacadamias on Instagram for all the details. 

#MacadamiaNutDay 

Macadamia Fast Facts

1. The macadamia nut is native to Australia, originating in the subtropical rainforests along the east coast of Australia more than 60 million years ago.
2. Australia is home to approximately 800 macadamia growers and 8.7 million macadamia trees on 28,000 hectares.
3. Macadamia nuts are the number one nut source of the ‘good’ monounsaturated fats that are important for heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Aussies love macadamias. Australia has the highest per capita consumption of macadamias in the world followed by the United States.
5. Macadamias are a source of protein, calcium, potassium, dietary fibre and a number of antioxidants - all of which we need to support our health and maintain glowing skin, strong nails and shiny hair.
6. One handful (30 grams) of macadamias contains nearly 10% of your daily intake of iron. Iron is essential for good energy levels.
7. Around 70 per cent of Australian macadamias are exported.
8. Bundaberg is the largest producer of Australian macadamias, followed closely by the NSW Northern Rivers.

Image: Gympie grower Aimee Thomas enjoys fresh cracked macadamias in the orchard with her sons.