Macadamia Nut Coffee is a Flavor Match Made in Paradise

Tomato basil, apple cinnamon, and chocolate hazelnut are among the most preferred flavor combinations worldwide. These classics are delicious and comforting, but we think it is time to add something a little more bold and tropical to the list – macadamia nut and coffee!

February is National Macadamia Nut month, so there is no better time to learn more about the history of Hawaii's favorite nut and what makes it an instant, crave-worthy classic when paired with Kauai Coffee.

What are Macadamia Nuts?

Macadamia nuts are the fruit of Macadamia integrifolia, a broadleaf, evergreen tree native to Australia. These tropical treats are some of the most expensive nuts in the world, thanks to their rich, buttery flavor, dense nutritional value, and a tough outer shell that requires 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack. Macadamia nuts are cultivated for food, oil, gluten-free flours, nut milk, and nut butter.

Macadamia Nuts and Hawaii

Macadamia nuts were introduced to Hawaii in 1881 by W.H. Purvis, a plant enthusiast and manager of the Pacific Sugar Mill at Kukuihaele on Hawaii island. Throughout the late 1800s, a few other Australian immigrants to Oahu planted macadamia nut trees on their homesite and botanical garden in the Nuuanu Valley. However, 30 years would pass before Ernest Van Tassel would plant a developmental orchard and establish the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut company in Honolulu. Van Tassel and his associates would spend ten years developing methods for cultivating, processing, and marketing macadamia nuts. At the same time, the US Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Agricultural Experiment station would conduct research and publish reports on the nut's chemical makeup and commercial importance.

In 1948, Castle & Cook Ltd. purchased 1,000 acres of land on the Big Island, planted their first tree in 1949, establishing the first commercial macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. Today, the Hawaiian macadamia nut industry is the gold standard worldwide. Hawaiian farms produce upwards of 40 million pounds of macadamia nuts annually harvested from nearly 700 farms on the Big Island.

Macadamia Nuts and Coffee

Why does macadamia nuts' rich, buttery flavor pair so perfectly with the smooth and bold taste of Hawaiian Coffee? It's hard to pinpoint precisely, but with Hawaii being the only US state with suitable growing conditions and commercial industries for both crops, the complementary flavors may be rooted in the soil. In fact, an eight-year study conducted in Brazil concluded that intercropping macadamia nut trees with coffee trees provided an ideal amount of shade, improved soil nutrients, and fertility that could improve coffee yield and provide greater economic benefit for farmers.

Of course, nuts have also been part of the human diet since paleolithic times, so perhaps we are just hardwired to enjoy them. Whether it is human or plant biology that makes the combination of macadamia nut and coffee flavors so delicious, we might never know for sure. Still, we are more than happy to enjoy them together!

Kauai Coffee and Macadamia Nut History

Kauai Coffee began as the McBryde Sugar Company in the late 1800s, but the rise of world wars and the attack on Pearl Harbor in the mid 20th century caused worker shortages and made it difficult for Hawaii to compete in the global sugar industry. As a result, by the mid-1970s and early 1980s, many of Hawaii's sugar operations began to shut down. Then in 1982, Hurricane Iwa ravaged the island of Kauai and led McBryde Sugar to diversify crops and plant coffee and macadamia nut trees on the farm.

Ten years later, Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai and destroyed much of the island's infrastructure. Fortunately, the coffee trees weathered the storm better than other crops and led to Kauai Coffee as we know it today. Our 100% Hawaiian Coffees are triple certified by leading sustainability advocates and cared for from seed to cup by our dedicated 'ohana. The only thing better than a delicious cup of Kauai Coffee is a delicious cup of macadamia nut flavored Kauai Coffee! Try one of these customer favorites today.

Kauai Vanilla Macadamia Nut Coffee

Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coffee combined with all-natural vanilla and toasted macadamia nut flavoring is an authentic taste of paradise. Rich and sweet with a subtle hint of nuttiness, one sip and you'll be instantly transported to paradise! Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coffee is only available on our website, at our visitor center, and most grocery stores in Hawaii. Order online now.

Kauai Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee

When you need something a little more decadent, reach for Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coffee combined with all-natural chocolate and macadamia nut flavor. It's delicious and decadent, like a chocolate-covered macadamia nut without the sugar or calories! Shop for Chocolate Macadamia Nut online now.

Decaffeinated Vanilla Macadamia Nut Kauai Coffee

Reducing your caffeine intake doesn't mean sacrificing quality of flavor. Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water® Process. This medium roast coffee is 99.9% caffeine-free and 100% Hawaiian Coffee with all-natural vanilla and toasted macadamia nut flavor. Add Decaf Vanilla Macadamia Nut Kauai Coffee to your cart now.

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee Cookie Recipe

These cookies are a celebration of Hawaiian flavors! Packed with Kauai Coffee and macadamia nuts, serve with a piping hot cup of Kauai Coffee for a taste of paradise you can enjoy any time.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks melted butter
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1.5 oz. Kauai Coffee, brewed as an espresso shot and cooled
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup roasted, salted macadamia nuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Combine cocoa powder and molasses with the warm melted butter in a large bowl.
2. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and Kauai Coffee to the butter and cocoa mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined. If the dough is a little dry and crumbly, add teaspoons of coffee until it comes together. Do not add too much as it may cause the cookies to spread while baking.
5. Gently mix in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
6. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
8. When ready to bake, roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on an uncreased cookie sheet.
9. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until puffy with soft cracks and ridges running through them.
10. Transfer to a wire rack for cooling and enjoy with a cup of Kauai Coffee!