How to Dry Macadamia Nuts

Dry macadamia nuts at home.

Macadamia nuts are products of trees that grow only in such tropical or sub-tropical areas as Hawaii and certain areas of California. Macadamia nuts make delicious, nutritious snacks. They also are used for baking and making candy. If you're lucky enough to have a ready supply, it's best to dry the macadamia nuts to preserve them. Snack on the dried nuts or freeze them for later use.

Things You'll Need

• Macadamia nut cracker or vise
• Food dehydrator
• Tightly sealed container

Instructions

1. Remove the husks from the macadamia nuts. Spread the nuts out in a dry, shady area--the nuts should be no more than two layers deep. Let the macadamia nuts dry for two to three weeks, or until the nuts loosen from the shells, and can easily be cracked.

2. Check the nuts. Discard any that are discolored, cracked or have worm holes. Use a macadamia nut cracker to extract the nutmeats from the hulls. If you do not have a nut cracker, use a vise to crack the hulls.

3. Place the macadamia nutmeats on the screens of a food dehydrator. Start the dehydrator at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and leave them for two days. Stir them periodically.

4. Turn the heat up to 140 degrees. Check the macadamia nuts often. Remove them from the dehydrator when they are crisp when you bite into them.

5. Store the dried macadamia nuts in a tightly sealed container. Store macadamia nuts in a freezer to keep them for an extended period of time. Let the nuts thaw in the sealed container before using them.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry your macadamia nuts in an oven if you don't have a food dehydrator. Set the oven at the lowest possible temperature, as macadamia nuts need to dry slowly. You may need to prop the door open slightly to prevent the oven from becoming too hot.

References

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Processing Macadamia Nuts at Home; Catherine G. Cavaletto; 2002
• California Rare Fruit Growers: Macadamia