Ballito Umhl - NOV 2020

Liquid gold
From her humble beginnings in the small sugar cane
village of Darnall to a multi-award-winning oil producer
and the owner of Fraaigelegen Farm in the Cape
Winelands, Venishree Mayer is proud to be the first Indian
South African woman to produce extra virgin olive oil.
Text: Leah Shone
aving recently won
two silvers and one
gold medal at the
SA Olive Association
awards, Venishree
is celebrating by
sharing her love for the liquid gold
that is found in almost every kitchen
in the world.
Since the launch of her brand, Adhara
Evoo premium extra virgin olive oil
in 2018, Venishree and her husband,
Juergen, have been the recipients of
five awards and, as a small producer
with just under 3000 trees, she is
thriving on their ground-breaking
success and her active role in the
industry.
She is also a strong advocate of the
health benefits of olive oil. “There is
a high rate of heart-related diseases,
diabetes and arthritis within the
Indian community. Olive oil is a rich
source of antioxidants, reduces the
risk of heart disease and is good for
both the skin and hair. It should be a
staple in all Indian kitchens. In fact, it
should be a staple in every kitchen.”
The youngest of four siblings,
Venishree is a third-generation Indian
South African who grew up heavily
involved in the Indian culture and
cooking, with lots of typical large
family gatherings.
She spent most of her childhood in
the small, close-knit community of
Darnall and both her parents were
very involved in the community
cultural and religious affairs. Her father,
a dancer and musician, organised a
number of events both locally and
out of town and Venishree started
dancing at four years old. “Growing up
in Darnall shaped me and who I have
32 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga November 2020