How to Crack Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia trees came to Hawaii in 1882. Now the state grows most of the world's supply of macadamia nuts. Considered a delicacy, these nuts are in high demand despite their elevated cost. You can have a difficult time opening this nut since its shell is the hardest in the nut family. There are several ways to break the shell while keeping the macadamia nut intact.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Set a macadamia nut in a recess either in the ground or in a rock. Hit the nut with a rock or a hammer to break it open.

2. Use a nutcracker that's specifically designed for opening macadamia nuts. You can find macadamia nut crackers at websites like Bono Macs of Hawaii or Gold Crown Macadamia Association.

3. Roast your macadamia nuts in their shells before you attempt to remove them. This dries out the shells to make them easier to crack.

4. Boil the macadamia nuts to soften the shells slightly for easier removal.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the nut in a recess that's big enough to keep the nut in place without causing it to bounce out of its hold when you strike it.

• Have patience when you attempt to crack open a macadamia nut without a nut cracker. Expect some trial and error before you're able to break into the shell without destroying the nut inside.

Resources

• Buy a Macbuster Classique Nutcracker at Bono Macs.
• See Gold Crown Macadamia Association's catalog for nutcrackers.