Bush foods are finally starting to get the attention they deserve and that’s something we Aussies should celebrate. They don’t only boast unique flavours, but many bush foods are also true nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Discover a few of our favourite bush foods with “hidden” health benefits you might not be aware of!
Kakadu Plum, the new winter remedy
Gubinge is a small, yet potent fruit that has been consumed by Indigenous communities for ages, thanks to its high nutritional value.
Not only does it have the highest concentration of vitamin C compared to ANY other fruit in the world (the equivalent of 50 oranges), but it’s also packed with iron, copper and antioxidants.
No wonder Kakadu Plum is one of the most popular winter remedies in Australia. It can fortify your body and stimulate the immune system, which is so important during the much-dreaded flu season.
Our customers love the delicious Gubinge powder - they usually sprinkle it on cereal, desserts or simply take it with a glass of water each day.
Lemon Myrtle, a grumpy gut’s best friend
Lemon Myrtle is the main ingredient in our Native Detox tea and one of our all-time favourite bush foods. It’s literally a gift from nature.
Studies have shown that the high concentration of citral promotes gut health and has an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial effect AKA it reduces the levels of bad bacteria and raises the level of good bacteria.
Consuming Lemon Myrtle can help you regulate your digestive system, naturally eliminate toxins and also boost the immune system (there’s a lot of interaction between the body’s immune system and bacteria in the gut).
Wattleseed, a great source of protein
Choosing high-quality sources of protein can be a hassle, especially if your diet is plant-based. Luckily, there are quite a few options for you, including one delicious bush food that you’ll fall in love with: wattleseed.
If you haven’t tried this yet, do yourself a favour! It has a unique nutty aroma - a delicious combination of hazelnut, coffee and chocolate. As such, it perfectly complements chocolate dessert and can be added to different dishes to enhance flavour or even to sauces as a thickening agent.
Another great thing about this bush food? It has a very low GI (glycemic index), which means it contains slowly digestible carbohydrates that produce a more gradual rise in the level of blood glucose and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Quandong, Australia's most potent skin superfood
The Quandong isn’t just great in fruit pies, jams and desserts… it’s also amazing for the skin. This is thanks to the high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals, vitamin C, vitamin E and plenty of minerals.
Whether you consume quandong on a regular basis or use it in skin treatments, it’s known to rejuvenate, soothe and hydrate the skin for a bright, even complexion.
Just adding a few bush foods to your diet can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing. And since they grow right here, in Australia, why not make the most of them?
