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Here are today’s five thing to know about Macadamia:

  1. Macadamia nuts are native to Australia. They are named for John Macadam, a Scottish born physician and chemist who promoted the nuts cultivation in Australia.
  2. The Macadamia Nut is one of Australia’s few contributions to the world’s food plants, and this rich, buttery nut is considered by many to be the most delicious of all nuts.
  3. The Macadamia was introduced into Hawaii around 1881 and used as an ornamental. The first commercial orchards of macadamias in Hawaii were not planted until 1921.
  4. Most of the world’s macadamia nuts are grown on the island of Hawaii.
  5. Today Macadamias are cultivated in many areas, including Indonesia, Central America, South Africa, the West Indies, Mediterranean countries and California.

Today’s Food History

  • 1768 Francois Auguste Rene Vicomte de Chateaubriand was born. Chateaubriand was a French writer and politician. His chef, Montmireil, created the famous recipe consisting of a center cut from the beef tenderloin, grilled and served with béarnaise sauce and chateau potatoes. He named the dish Chateaubriand.
  • 1781 The settlement known as “El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula” (City of the Queen of the Angels) was founded. Now known as simply Los Angeles, California.
  • 1885 The Exchange Buffet opened, the first self service restaurant.
  • 1920 Craig Claiborne, food writer and critic, was born.
  • 1967 The final episode of ‘Gilligans Island’ TV show airs.