Wet weather is more likely to cause mold, germination, and rat or pig damage. Always make it a top priority to get your nuts inside during this weather. Healthy macadamia trees begin bearing nuts after 6 to 7 years. They will produce around 30 to 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg) of nuts by 10 years of age. This amount gradually increases as your tree ages from this time.

Use a long pole to dislodge mature nuts in hard-to-reach areas. To determine ripeness, look for shrunken husks that push out the nut.

Prune your trees in the spring and remove diseased and dying branches from their canopy. Remove remaining nuts on the trees after pruning. [3] X Research source Apply mulch after harvesting your nuts, and avoid piling it against the tree’s trunk—this can cause disease. While these diseases don’t always affect macadamias, throw out any nuts that show signs of rot or damage and prune damaged regions of your trees. [4] X Research source

Macadamia nut ripening varies greatly depending on the location, variety, and season. This goes for single trees, too: some of the nuts might take several months to ripen, while others ripen in much shorter periods of time.

Older nuts are brown and younger are green. However, it’s more efficient to separate based on cracks.

For cracked nuts, skip the drying process and de-husk them as soon as possible. Nut husks hold moisture, which is why dehusking is a high priority.

The cloth layers absorb moisture from the inner nuts and shrink them so that they don’t stick to the husk. This makes for easier removal.

Keep an eye out for signs of cooking—which can damage the nuts—such as smoke. A second dry is standard practice at warehouses that commercially prepare macadamia nuts. Once your whole nuts are completely dry, skip to 3. 2.

Ripe nuts have a chocolate brown color within the inner husk. If you notice the inside of the husk is white, it’s not ripe.

Smaller nuts can still be used, but these requirements are standard for warehouses that process them commercially. If you want the absolute best quality, follow the same standards

Other more effective storage options include a slotted or wire rack, or in layers of cloth. Roast your nuts as soon as possible.