Find Sandy Creek Macadamias at Eagle Farm Markets
The Weekend Edition came across Scott MacNicol from Sandy Creek Macadamias at the Eagle Farm Markets. Scott’s boutique farm at Anderleigh north of Gympie produces a number of Australian macadamia nut products ranging from butter, muesli, oil, and nuts ranging from raw to roasted, salted and flavoured. Not only do his macadamias taste great but they are also great for your skin and hair too, so Scott introduced health products under the Earth Botanical range, including body moisturiser, hair products and facial products. Like fruits, vegetables and other nuts, macadamias are a nutrition powerhouse – beneficial to health and wellbeing. And, as Scott professes enjoying a handful of nuts regularly is great for a healthy diet.
Why did you choose macadamia nuts to farm?
After a number of years in IT, I really needed a change away from the computer industry. I grew up in the central western Queensland town of Blackall, and so going back to my roots was always in my blood. The idea of purchasing a macadamia orchard fitted with what I wanted to do, as it was both income producing and could also be expanded. I purchased a small 3000 tree orchard about 20 kilometres north of Gympie with the idea of growing the farm to about 5000+ trees, which we are well on the way of doing.
What do you love about the markets?
We have a number of overseas customers who have purchased products from us whenever they visit Brisbane. Being at the markets is always a good time to catch up with them for a chat. At the moment, these customers are mainly from Europe, North America and Asia.
What is your favourite market food?
Macadamia Butter, which we make in our commercial kitchen on the orchard. This is like a peanut butter but is a lot better for you. It is made with just macadamia nuts and a small amount of sea salt.
What is your favourite dish to make with macadamias?
My favourite dish with macadamia would be a piece of salmon with Macadamia Dukkah.
What is your favourite morning ritual?
About five years ago we planted a 30 acre hardwood forest on some land that we couldn’t plant more macadamia trees on. One of the things that I like to do is to watch the early morning sunlight reflecting off the dew still left on these trees.
What topic has caught your eye recently?
I would like to see a serious farmers market with real farmers, as I think the public are crying out for one.
Checkout this delicious macadamia recipe:
Pan Fried Sticky Pork with Macadamia Shungiku and Sweet and Sour Cucumber, Mint Salad
Sandy Creek Macadamias are also available at Davies Park Market and Eat Street Market.
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