When Piers was studying at Nelspruit Lowveld College he met the humble Macadamia Tree. On one of his college holidays he drove home to Mayfield with a boot and back seat full of little Macadamia Trees. This was the year 1994. His father was not too sure about this new crop, but between the two of them their interest grew and the first Macadamia Orchards were planted in the 90’s.
What began as curiosity soon evolved into a deep-rooted passion for macadamia farming. Over the years, this passion has grown into a commitment to organic practices, where every decision is guided by respect for the land, the environment, and the people who depend on it. Today, Mayfield stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, patience, and stewardship come together in harmony.
Our Organic Farming Philosophy
Mayfield Farm now has a few Macadamia orchards which are organic. This means that there is no use of any chemical sprays on the trees and only organic inputs are allowed. Some of the inputs are compost which is produced on the farm, in partnership with Convert the Dirt. Worm Tea and various organic teas, fertilisers and nutrients are used as needed. Organic farming is not simply about removing chemicals — it is about restoring balance. By nurturing the soil, encouraging biodiversity, and working with natural systems, we create an environment where crops can thrive without artificial intervention. This approach requires patience and careful observation, but it results in healthier trees, richer soil, and a more resilient ecosystem.
When not using heavy chemical sprays for insects, there are always sacrificial plants. This means that each season some of the crop is affected by an insect such as the stink bug. However, if the orchards, soil and general environment is balanced and healthy, there will be natural predators which remove the insect naturally, and harmony is restored. This is how man and nature work together. This is what good stewardship of the land and of the crops means, and farming ethically. It is challenging and often a lonely path, however, knowing the responsibility one has at preserving the land for future generations puts it into perspective and softens the blow somewhat of the loss of crop and thus income.
A large threat to the Macadamia crop are the monkeys. Unfortunately they are extremely wasteful when it comes to the macadamia nuts as they move from tree to tree biting a nut and throwing it to the floor and then picking up the next. Again we have had to adopt the attitude of having some sacrificial nuts, even though at times we have lost up to half our crop. We adopt as many diversion tactics to keep the monkeys out of the orchards and hope there are other more tempting treats in the bushlines to keep them occupied while the nuts finish off growing and we can harvest them.
Living alongside wildlife is part of the reality of farming in a natural environment. Rather than viewing this as a conflict, we see it as a reminder of the delicate balance between agriculture and nature. By adapting our practices and respecting the surrounding ecosystem, we aim to coexist in a way that supports both productivity and biodiversity.
Once harvested the nuts are brought to the shed where they are put into large drying bins and then they are taken to be processed either for eating nuts or pressed into oil for cooking or for the use in skin products.
Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential nutrients that offer a range of health benefits. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of macadamia nuts:
- Heart Health: Macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, often referred to as "good fats," which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
- Weight Management: Despite being high in calories, macadamia nuts can aid in weight management. Their combination of healthy fats and fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the urge to snack excessively.
- Nutrient-Dense: Macadamia nuts are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1 (Thiamine), magnesium, and manganese. These nutrients are vital for various bodily functions.
- Brain Health: The healthy fats in macadamia nuts, particularly oleic acid, are linked to improved brain function. They can reduce inflammation in the brain and support cognitive health.
- Digestive Health: Macadamia nuts contain fiber, which promotes healthy digestion by maintaining regular bowel movements and supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Energy Boost: Macadamia nuts provide a sustained energy boost due to their combination of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
Incorporating macadamia nuts into your diet can contribute to overall well-being and support various aspects of health.
Benefits of Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is a versatile and healthy cooking oil with several benefits:
- High Smoke Point: Ideal for high-heat cooking like frying, grilling, and roasting without breaking down.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidant Properties: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Mild Flavor: Adds a subtle nutty flavor to dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Overall, macadamia oil is a delicious and nutritious choice for cooking, offering both flavor and health benefits.
Benefits of Macadamia oil in skin care
Macadamia oil is a luxurious skincare ingredient with numerous benefits for your skin. It's rich in essential fatty acids, particularly palmitoleic acid, which closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. This makes it an excellent moisturizer, especially for dry and sensitive skin. Macadamia oil can help to:
- Hydrate and nourish: Its emollient properties deeply moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
- Soothe irritation: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and irritation.
- Protect against damage: Antioxidants in macadamia oil help shield the skin from environmental stressors.
- Promote skin elasticity: It can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Enhance skin barrier function: Macadamia oil helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against irritants.
Supporting organic farming is more than a purchasing decision — it is a commitment to a healthier future.
By choosing organic, you are supporting sustainable agriculture, protecting natural ecosystems, and contributing to a system that values quality, integrity, and responsibility. At Mayfield, organic is not just a certification — it is a promise to the land, to our community, and to future generations.