Leslie Massey
Nuts have been commercially grown in Australia for over 100 years, with the country being the seventh-largest producer of tree nuts in the world. The only nut that is not grown in Australia is the Brazil nut, which requires the rainforests of the Amazon to grow. Australia is the second-largest producer of almonds in the world, with Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales being the leading producers. Macadamia is a native nut of Australia, with New South Wales and Queensland being the largest producers. Other nuts grown in Australia include hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nuts grown in Australia | Almonds, macadamias, chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, sandalwood nuts |
| Commercially grown nuts | Macadia, almond |
| Macadamia native regions | Southern Queensland, northeastern New South Wales, central and southeastern Queensland |
| Almond-producing regions | Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales |
| Hazelnut-producing regions | New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia |
| Chestnut-producing regions | New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia |
| Pistachio growing conditions | Long, dry, hot summers and cold winters |
| Walnut growing conditions | Long, hot, dry summers and cool winters |
| Pecan growing conditions | Temperate and subtropical areas with dry spring weather |
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What You'll Learn
- Hazelnuts grow in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia
- Macadamia nuts are native to Australia and are grown in New South Wales and Queensland
- Pecans are suited to the dry spring weather of Australia's east coast
- Almonds are Australia's most valuable horticultural export product
- Sandalwood nuts are native to Australia and are grown in Western Australia and South Australia
Hazelnuts grow in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia
Hazelnuts are grown in the cool, temperate regions of south-eastern Australia. They require a specific climate and soil type to thrive and produce nuts. The main production regions are in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia.
In New South Wales, hazelnuts are grown in the Central Tablelands, near Orange and Narrandera. In Victoria, they are grown in the northeast, around Myrtleford, as well as in central and eastern Victoria. Tasmania is another major producer, with hazelnuts grown in the northern parts of the state. Small-scale production also occurs in South Australia, in the Adelaide Hills, and in Western Australia, in the Manjimup region.
Hazelnuts are not native to Australia, so the commercial varieties grown in the country are cultivars of the European hazelnut. Australian hazelnuts are sold in-shell or as kernels (without shells) online, at farmers' markets, and in specialty stores. The domestic consumption of in-shell hazelnuts is about 300 tonnes per year, while the consumption of hazelnut kernels is around 2,000 tonnes.
Hazelnuts are well-suited to the cooler climates of south-eastern Australia. They require cross-pollination, so it is recommended to plant at least two trees together, with a maximum of nine main crop trees for every polliniser tree. Hazelnut trees prefer light, sandy, or gravelly soil with a pH of around 6 to 7.5 and good drainage. They need cool, moist winters and cool summers, and they do not tolerate strong winds or hot, dry conditions.
The hazelnut industry in Australia is relatively small but developing, with growers supported by organisations like Hazelnut Growers of Australia. Hazelnut production averages about 170 tonnes per year, with a market deficit between local production and estimated domestic demand. However, the industry is expanding, with new areas of hazelnut plantings in southern New South Wales, eastern Victoria, and Tasmania.
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Macadamia nuts are native to Australia and are grown in New South Wales and Queensland
The Australian Macadamia Society reports that there are over 700 macadamia growers across Australia, with the majority based in growing regions stretching from Bundaberg to Nambucca on the eastern coast of Australia. Macadamia growers range from third-generation farmers to white-collar tree changers. Macadamia nuts are now the fourth-largest Australian horticultural export, with 70% of the crop exported to more than 40 countries.
Macadamia nuts are commercially produced in many countries with Mediterranean, temperate, or tropical climates, including Southeast Asia, South America, North America, and Australia. Outside Australia, macadamias are also commercially produced in Hawaii, South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica, Kenya, Guatemala, New Zealand, and Malawi. Macadamia nuts are one of the few bush foods sold on a commercial level, and they are one of the most well-loved nuts in the world due to their luxurious, velvety texture and taste.
In addition to being commercially grown, macadamia trees can also be grown in small backyards. Macadamia trees can grow up to 20 meters in the wild, but they will grow between 8-10 meters tall in most gardens.
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Pecans are suited to the dry spring weather of Australia's east coast
Pecans are a native American nut that has become one of Australia's most successful commercial crops. They are well-suited to the dry spring weather of Australia's east coast, where they can be effectively pollinated. Pecan trees are large and deciduous, requiring very little chill time, only 200-300 hours. They can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefer deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
In Australia, pecan trees have very few pests, making them easy to grow for food and shade. They are a long-term investment, with production commencing after about eight years and full production achieved by years 12 to 15. Most pecan varieties require 200-220 frost-free days to mature nut crops, and they can tolerate most winter conditions in suitable growing areas. They require cross-fertilisation to reach full yields, so at least two varieties are necessary in an orchard. Irrigation is also essential for high yields and good-quality nuts.
Pecans are a naturally tall and spreading tree, and they are tolerant of high temperatures in summer, requiring more than 2000 heat units to produce good-quality nuts. They are a valuable crop, providing an excellent long-term investment. Pecan trees are also suitable for single-tree planting in a home garden, and they will generally set a crop without a pollen donor. They require plenty of water and are used for confectionery and culinary purposes.
In Australia, pecans are grown in the eastern states of New South Wales and Queensland, and they are also native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. They are the only Australian native tree to be developed into a commercial crop.
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Almonds are Australia's most valuable horticultural export product
The popularity of Australian almonds can be attributed to their availability, health benefits, and delicious taste. Former US President Barack Obama is said to enjoy almonds as his favourite late-night snack. The demand for almonds has encouraged Australian farmers to expand their orchards and adopt sustainable farming practices. Growers are utilising advanced irrigation technology to improve water efficiency, ensuring that increased production does not negatively impact the environment.
The almond industry in Australia is highly mechanised and well-suited to large-scale orchards, making it a profitable and stable venture. The production cycle includes three phases: almond growing, almond hulling and shelling, and shelled almond processing (treatment and packaging). The trees take three years to bear a crop and seven to eight years to reach mature production levels, with yields averaging 3.2 MT per hectare.
The majority of almond production in Australia occurs in Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, with the major producing regions being Adelaide and the Riverland in South Australia. In 2020, Victoria's growing regions produced around 61% of the country's almonds, followed by South Australia at 20% and New South Wales at 18%. The Almond Board of Australia plays a crucial role in supporting the industry, gathering data on sustainability measures and promoting Australian almonds globally.
Australian almond exporters, such as Select Harvests, have successfully diversified their markets. They have expanded into China, India, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, capitalising on the demand for healthy snacks. The industry's rapid growth and high value have made almonds Australia's most valuable horticultural export, surpassing wine grapes and other tree nuts.
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Sandalwood nuts are native to Australia and are grown in Western Australia and South Australia
Sandalwood nuts, also known as Santalum spicatum, are native to Australia. They are grown in arid regions of Western Australia and South Australia. In Western Australia, they are found in the woodlands and shrublands of the south, while in South Australia, they are listed as a vulnerable species.
Sandalwood trees have been sustainably used as a source of bush food and medicine by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. The nuts were consumed as a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and the oils were applied to the skin to aid with inflammatory conditions and body aches. The oils are also used in skincare products.
The sandalwood tree is economically significant, with oil valued at A$1,000 per kilogram being produced at Mount Romance in Albany, Western Australia. The area of commercial plantations increased from 7 square kilometres to 70 square kilometres between 2000 and 2006. However, the wild population of sandalwood trees has decreased dramatically due to over-harvesting and other factors such as land clearing, fires, and grazing by livestock.
Sandalwood nuts have a high nutritional value, with almost 20% protein, minimal carbohydrates, and high levels of antioxidants and monounsaturated omega 9 fatty acids. They have a unique and delicate flavour and are increasingly being recognised as a superfood.
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Frequently asked questions
Macadamia nuts are native to Australia, specifically the northeastern regions of New South Wales and the central and southeastern regions of Queensland. They are Australia's leading commercially grown native crop. Other nuts native to Australia include sandalwood nuts, Davidson plums, and Lemon Myrtle.
Many nuts are grown in Australia but are not native to the country. These include almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans.
Brazil nuts are not grown in Australia as they require the rainforests of the Amazon valley in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia to grow.
