It’s macadamia harvest time, and the stalls at Mullumbimby and New Brighton Farmers Markets are overflowing. Local growers Rainforest Foods and Organic Forrest are bringing freshly picked macadamias in every form imaginable, making it the perfect time to get creative with this buttery, nutrient-rich native nut.
You’ll find them raw, roasted, salted, honey-roasted, chocolate-coated, or ground into creamy macadamia paste. There are also macadamia oils available, both pure and infused with native spices, perfect for cooking or drizzling.
Macadamia paste is incredibly versatile. Spread it thick on sourdough for a simple, indulgent snack. Add a spoonful of Organic Forrest’s Davidson plum jam for a sweet-sour native twist, or go savory with avocado, herbs, and chilli flakes. For an extra kick, try it with Rainforest Foods’ Davidson plum chilli jam, which offers a bold local pairing.
Macadamias are also a fantastic ingredient for everyday cooking. Finely grate them over pasta or salads as a creamy, vegan parmesan alternative. Toast and chop them for a crunchy topping on roasted vegetables or grain bowls. When blitzed with herbs and lemon, they make a beautiful savoury crust for fish, tofu, or grilled vegetables.
Sweet options are just as tempting. Blend macadamia paste into smoothies, layer it into bliss balls, or swirl it through yoghurt or porridge. Whole nuts add crunch to cookies, cakes, muffins, and homemade granola, or you can simply enjoy them coated in chocolate for a decadent treat.
Whether sweet or savoury, fresh or roasted, macadamias are the star ingredient of the season. Visit Rainforest Foods and Organic Forrest this week to stock up and let your cooking shine with the rich, local flavour of freshly harvested macadamias.
Find Rainforest Foods and Organic Forrest every Tuesday morning from 8am to 11am at New Brighton Farmers Market or every Friday morning from 7am to 11am at Mullumbimby Farmers Market.
