Before European settlers arrived on Australian soils the Aboriginal people had a unique and distinct outlook when it came to food and diet in general. For thousands of years, Aboriginal people utilized flora and fauna as their source of food. Traditional bush tucker may come from a swollen abdomen of honey ants and nectar bearing flowers like bottlebrush. Some native fauna is eaten raw and might be unsafe, but Aboriginal people find ways to get rid of the toxic like hanging them on bags and placing them under running water in order to wash its poisonous contents. Animal meats are cooked in an open fire to make it last for a long period of time.
Today, bush tucker is not only limited to Aboriginal people. Renowned chefs support the campaign of keeping the bush tucker tradition at the forefront and are working hard to educate the people. The abundance of native foods in Australia is naturally adapted to the country’s environment. Native foods are resistant to the extreme weather of the country making it available in the marketplace all throughout the year.
Bush Tucker Recipes
Australian bush consist of rare ingredients that are abundant in the native land of Australia. Foodies should realize that these ingredients are the same as the “ordinary” food we have on our table every day. Here are a few dish ideas to stimulate your mind.
Grilled Kangaroo
Kangaroo meat is lean, low in fat and cholesterol and has plenty of nutritional value.
Rub dry the kangaroo meat, lightly oil and season, cook it in on a grill or barbecue. Pair it up with sweet potatoes, zucchini and eggplants. Drizzle some honey on top of the meat to add more distinct taste to the dish.
Lemon Myrtle Crusted Crocodile
Crocodile meat has a similar taste to that of chicken meat. Its meat is very healthy and low in fat and calories and high in protein.
Roll the crocodile tail in lemon myrtle mixture and cover both sides of the meat and grill each side on a hot pan. Cook it quickly in a similar way to cooking prawns. When overcook the meat will tend to get dry and tough.
Witchetty Grubs
Witchetty grubs are part of the staple traditional Aboriginal diet. Mostly they are living under the black wattle and river red gum trees. It tastes like a fried egg with a kick of nuts and its skin resembles to fried chicken.
You can eat it raw and just get rid of its head, but for some who do not fancy eating it raw they can just simply sear it in a hot pan with garlic and butter.
Riberry Crumble for Dessert
This berry has a unique flavour and is known for high level of anti-oxidant and cancer fighting properties. Anyone can grow a ribbery tree in their garden, it is mostly found in Sydney or on the east coast part of Australia.
Riberry can be eaten on its own or you can add it up with apples and make a ribbery and apple crumble. The berry balances the taste of the crumble creating a unique taste on the dish.
What is your favourite bush tucker?
If you are looking to purchase any Australia native products be sure to check out the people at Outback pride
Address: Melbourne*, VIC
Web: http://www.gdaychef.com.au/blog/cooking-with-bush-tucker/