Preparation
What is the purpose of boiling?
Boiling is used to prepare and detoxify certain native foods so they are safe to eat.
What is bush tucker?
Bush tucker refers to native Australian foods—plants, animals, and fungi—traditionally used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for food.
Name a traditional source of protein.
Kangaroo, Emu, Seafood, Turtle
What happened in 1788?
In 1788, European colonisation began in Australia, leading to the displacement of Aboriginal peoples from their land and food sources.
What are native spices used in cooking?
Native spices such as lemon myrtle, mountain pepperberry, and saltbush are used to add unique Australian flavours to dishes.
What does grinding seeds achieve?
Grinding seeds breaks them down into flour, making them easier to cook and digest.
Name a native plant used for flour.
Wattleseed is a native plant that is ground into flour for use in foods like damper and cakes.
What is kangaroo meat known for?
Kangaroo meat is known for being very lean, high in protein, and rich in iron, with a strong, gamey flavour.
How did colonization affect food practices?
Colonisation disrupted traditional food practices by displacing Indigenous people from their land and introducing non-native foods, leading to a loss of bush tucker knowledge.
How is bush tomato used today?
Bush tomato is used today in dishes like salsas, chutneys, and relishes for its strong, tamarillo-like flavour.
Why is slow cooking used for native foods?
Slow cooking is used for native foods to make them safe to eat and improve their texture and flavour.
What is a popular citrus fruit used in dishes?
Finger lime is a popular native citrus fruit used in dishes for its tart, flavourful pearls.
What are witchetty grubs?
Witchetty grubs are protein-rich insect larvae that are traditionally roasted and eaten as a delicacy.
What sparked the revival of bush tucker?
The revival of bush tucker was sparked in the 1970s by growing recognition of Indigenous rights and the nutritional value of native foods.
What is a trend in contemporary Australian cuisine?
A key trend in contemporary Australian cuisine is the increasing use of native bush foods and ingredients in modern dishes.
What is a bark trough used for?
A bark trough is used for boiling food as part of traditional Indigenous cooking methods.
Describe the use of Quandong in cooking.
Quandong is a tart native Australian fruit commonly used in cooking for jams, desserts, sauces, and chutneys, where its sharp flavour adds balance and depth.
Describe the cultural importance of crocodile.
Crocodile is culturally important as a traditional food source that holds meaning within Indigenous diets and practices, reflecting a deep connection to land and water.
Describe the role of Indigenous-led enterprises.
Indigenous-led enterprises support Aboriginal-owned businesses so that economic benefits and opportunities flow back to Indigenous communities while respecting and preserving cultural knowledge
Name a benefit of sustainable harvesting.
A benefit of sustainable harvesting is that it protects biodiversity and ensures long-term food security.
Describe the detoxifying soak process called leaching
The crushed seeds are placed in woven bags and submerged in running water for several days.
What is the significance of Lemon Myrtle?
Lemon myrtle is significant for its strong lemon fragrance and is widely used to flavour dishes, baked goods, and teas.
How are fish and yabbies used in diets? What nutrient do they provide?
Fish and yabbies are used as a staple food in diets, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Why is cultural authority important?
Cultural authority is important because it ensures Indigenous communities lead and benefit from the use of their knowledge and food traditions.
What are native spices and aromatics?
These native ingredients are now used by chefs and home cooks to add unique Australian flavours, including lemon myrtle, mountain pepperberry, and saltbush.