Macadamian nuts are known as a treat to most people. Expensive and relatively rare, they’re not usually an everyday snack. If you’re visiting the islands though, this is a good time to splurge. The buttery taste and creamy texture might just make this nut your new favorite food.
At Kauai Gourmet Nuts, you have the chance to experience the Hawaiian treat in new ways too. We’ll look at the story behind the nuts, the products that this shop sells, and why it’s worth your time to pick up a bag or two.
The featured products of Kauai Gourmet Nuts include:
- Coconut Bliss Macadamian Nuts
- Cock-A-Doodle-Doo-Doo Macadamia Nuts
- Coco-Mocha Macadamia Nuts
- Crunch Berries Macadamia Nuts
- Pele Sweet Heat Macadamia Nuts
- Salted Toffee Almonds & Macadamias
- Coconut Coffee Pecans and Macadamias
- Honey Coconut Pecans
- Toffee Crisp Pecans & Peanuts
- Toasted Coconut Almonds
- Ginger Nut Mix
You may also be able to find nut butter or any number of other flavor combinations for the nuts here.
About Kauai’s Macadamian Nuts
Kauai isn’t actually an island that’s known for macadamias. After Hurricane Iniki rolled through in 1992, it destroyed a number of farms, equipment, and trees that were needed to commercially produce them.
These trees take 14 years to reach maturity and few farmers had that kind of time to wait before they could start selling again. This ultimately meant that farmers needed to either switch crops or move to a different island in the state that managed to retain its mature trees.
The upshot is that the nuts grown in Kauai are not just rare in terms of quantity, they’re also rare in terms of quality. The farm at Kauai Gourmet Nuts may be small, but the macadamias they produce are jumbo size. You won’t find anything else like it on the market.
The Season at Kauai Gourmet Nuts
Canadians fall off their trees at the end of the dry season, which is typically late August/early September. Before the husks are removed, they have to dry. From there, the macadamias are then left to cure in their shell for up to a couple of months.
This is one of the hardest nutshells in the world, taking about 400 pounds of pressure to crack through. At Kauai Gourmet Nuts, they rely on special machinery to leave as many nuts as intact as possible. The nuts are then roasted in the fall, usually around late October to mid-November. Once they’re delivered to the kitchen, the pieces are sorted out for roasting and bagging.
Because of the short season though, not all products will be available though. While there are always macadamias via the mixed nuts sold at this establishment, the selection might be fairly limited if you’re there in the summer.
If you love macadamia nuts, this is a must-visit establishment. However, even if you have a passing interest in the food, it might be worth checking out the authenticity to be found here. Whether you come for a bag or just to learn more about the plants, the friendly staff here will be happy to see you.
Insider Tips:
-Not all products will be available, so if you’re coming for something specific, you might want to call ahead.
-These nuts are jumbo-sized and unlike anything else you’ll find on the islands and the nuts are roasted nearby, making for a heavenly aroma if you visit during late fall.
-This place is somewhat tucked away on the street, so you may need to search a bit to find it.