The macadamia is called the Queen of Nuts, because of its high nutritional value and the size of the kernels. The macadamia is used for two purposes, namely for snacking and industrial uses. Whereas In Australia, USA and Japan the product is used as an ingredient in other export markets the product is mainly used as a snack product (roasted and salted). As the world supply is growing the interest in various industries in export markets is increasing.

Origins / growing areas
Originally Macadamias were found in Australia. These days they grow in Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Brazil.

Grades / Varieties
Although the various producing countries use their own sizing specifications and screen sizes, the following styles could be seen as the standard specifications:
Style 0: Contains minimum 95% whole kernel which passes over a round opening of 19mm.
Style 1: Contains minimum 95% whole kernels which fall through a round opening of 19mm and passes over a round opening of 17mm.
Style s: Contains minimum 90% whole kernels, which fall through a round opening of 17mm and passes over a round opening of 2.75mm. Not more than 5% kernel will pass through a 12.75mm round opening.
Style 2: Contains 50% whole kernels and 50% halves and pieces which all pass over a round opening of 17mm.
Style 3: Contains minimum 15% and maximum 30% whole kernels passing over a round opening of 12.75mm and remaining part halves, which fall through a round opening of 19mm and pass over a round opening of 17mm.
Style 4: Contains minimum of 90% halves with no more than 5% wholes which all pass over a round opening of 17mm.
Style 5: Tidbits which fall through a round opening of 12.75mm and passes over a round opening of 9mm.

Style 6: Chips which fall through a round opening of 9mm and passes over a round opening of 5mm.
Style 7: Bits from 3mm - 6mm.
Style 8: Fines smaller than 3mm.

Harvest times / Shipment times
Kenya / Malawi: Dec/Jan/Feb.
South Africa / Zimbabwe: Feb/March/April/May.
Australia: during May/June/July.
Costa Rica/ Guatemala / Brazil: April/May/June.
Hawaii: September/October/November.

Packing
The packing of most countries of origin is 25 lbs per carton, vacuum poly liners or alufoil packing.
Some countries still work with 10 kg cartons.

Nutritional values (per 100 gram)
Energy 702 kcal.
2.936 kJ.
Total Fat 73,8 gr.
Total Protein 8,0 gr.
Total Carbohydrates 13,8 gr.
Total Minerals 1,7 gr.
Total Vitamins 2,6 mg.