Quandong
Traditionally a significant food source for Indigenous Australians, the Quandong or ‘Wild Peach’, features heavily in Aboriginal mythology across the desert regions of Australia.
These glossy, bright, crimson fruits have been a staple for the Pitjabtjara people for over 50,000 years. Whilst the Quandong was considered a wonderful substitute for meat, the leaves and bark of its tree were used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. On hunting trips, Pitjabtjara men would seek out Quandong trees, consume the fresh fruits for energy and fill their coolamon wiris (dishes) with a supply of Quandong that they could dry and store for use when meat was in short supply. Made up of 25% protein and 70% complex oils, the Quandong kernels would also be used to create powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pastes.