We often take macadamia nuts for granted in Hawaii. After all, they grow here, they’re processed here and what’s not to like about them?

In this global economy, where products are available everywhere and anytime, it’s always a good idea to make sure the products you are buying are grown in Hawaii. That includes macadamia nuts, which are also grown in Australia, South Africa, South America and other parts of the world.

Hawaii island and Maui produce most of the macadamia nuts grown in Hawaii, with many farmers and thousands of acres devoted to the majestic tree.

It takes several years for a tree to bear nuts. Harvesting, shelling and processing these creamy, delicious nuts requires lots of equipment, people and resources.

There’s no doubt that the quality of Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts is superb. Roasted and salted, encased in chocolate, honey glazed, seasoned in numerous ways including Spam flavoring, Hawaii’s macadamia nuts are the best!

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Hawaii food writer Joan Namkoong offers a weekly tidbit on fresh seasonal products, many of them locally grown.