Olympic medallist, TV presenter and OAM Giaan Rooney added a string to her busy bow some years ago by becoming a macadamia farmer on the Far North Coast of NSW.

We take a macadamia moment with Giaan Rooney in her macadamia orchard.

What’s your favourite place to eat, anywhere in the world?

It is a place from our honeymoon in Italy, ‘Il Camino’ in Santa Margherita (Portofino)  – we ate there three nights!

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I don’t have any! The only indulgence I try to take advantage of is to have a drink and watch the sun set from the cane bed on the verandah. Twenty minutes, that’s usually all I get, in between my kids (Giaan has two), putting away the cows etc…

First memorable macadamia moment?

I don’t remember when I first tasted one – but it wasn’t until I was here on the farm that I tasted my first freshly cracked macadamia nut!

What do you like about macadamias?

Their versatility! But also their taste and texture, that butteriness. They’re one of the most nutritious nuts you can get.

Favourite way to enjoy macadamias?

I’m very much a savoury person but I’ll eat them every day in some shape or form. I have macadamias in my muesli, I drink macadamia milk in my coffee every day (I’m dairy-intolerant). Most of my dishes at night have macadamia shards as garnish, or lightly fried on top of a salad.

Favourite quote?

From my swimming career, it’s ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get!” I’ve always believed that working hard pays off.

Favourite movie and TV series?

‘The Notebook’ for movie (I just love it!); The ‘Suits’ series when it was on.

If you were an ice cream, what flavour would you be?

It would have to be dairy-free caramel macadamia!

Find Giaan Rooney’s recipes for macadamia & banana bread and orange and macadamia bliss balls here.