A highlight for me when visiting Antigua, Guatemala this summer was Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm. It was opened in 1985 by an expat fire fighter and his wife. Their purpose was to introduce a sustainable income to the local people. After touring the five acres, I’d say the project is a big success. Peek inside……………
The farm sits at 5,000 feet on volcanic soil. These ideal conditions help their 300 trees produce 90,000 pounds of nuts a year!
The trees in Guatemala live for 200 years and bear nuts for 150 of those. This ensures a livelihood for people working the farm now and future generations.
The nuts are not harvested off the trees, they fall to the ground when mature. Farmers collect the golf ball size, round pods and put them in a de-husking machine, resulting in the yummy, small white orbs we’ve come to know.
When visiting Valhalla I had to try their famous pancakes made with macadamia flour and nuts, served with macadamia butter and blueberry jam!
Afterwards, I was escorted to the spa area for a macadamia nut oil facial…Nirvana!!
Unfortunately, Valhalla doesn’t ship their pancakes to the United States. But, the organic oil, face cream, and lotion are available through Emilia Aguirre Skin Care.
SHOP HERE:
http://www.macskinoil.com/products.html
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Chocolate, Coffee & Volcanos in Antigua, Guatemala
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