Food From the Heart - Summer 2009

A partnership between Outback Pride and the horticulture division of the Renmark High School has seen the establishment of the latest commercial production plot of Kutjera (Bush Tomato).

The plot establishment started in November 2008 and will probably produce the first small crop by late March 2009.

Indigenous Students leading the way in the Riverland

The Riverland, as a major fruit growing district, has struggled with the lack of Murray water flows, with many of the local producers and their trees at the brink of disaster. It made sense to establish a crop that requires 1/3 the water of introduced species and that has an already established market.

The best bit is that the indigenous students have the opportunity to be the leaders amongst their peers in this project and will showcase this new (actually very old) crop in an upcoming episode of the ABC show 'The Cook and the Chef', filmed at the plot this February.

The main concept of this episode will be the environmental positives of the production of foods with a small carbon footprint, with Indigenous foods blossoming in this new reality of less water and a hotter climate.

We look forward to seeing the potential of these future leaders in the Australian Native Food industry.

Featured Native Food: Kutjera

Kutjera (Kampurarpa - Pitjantjatjara language) is a small desert plant approximately 30cm in height. With grey to bronze leaves and attractive mauve/blue flowers, it grows naturally through the central deserts from Tennant Creek - NT to Marla - SA. It is part of the tomato family which includes potatoes and capsicums. There are over 100 species of Solanums (Wild Tomatoes) in Australia, but only six are known to be edible, and Kutjera - Desert Raisins - are the most well known, and certainly the most consumed, species of the "bush tomatoes".

In the red sandy desert the plants grow quickly after summer rains, mainly from dormant root stock which can last for many years between favorable seasons. The plant also responds and grows rapidly after soil disturbance (along roadsides) or after bushfires.

This arid lands fruit has been a staple food of the indigenous desert dwellers of Central Australia for many thousands of years, and are a rich source of minerals, particularly potassium, and are also high in vitamin c. The traditional way of harvesting is to collect the sun dried fruits of the small bush in the autumn/winter months. In their dried form, Desert Raisins can be stored for several years.

With the help of Outback Pride, the Desert Raisins are now being cultivated in commercial plots on Indigenous communities in the desert regions of Australia. With the use of water wise irrigation systems, the fruiting cycle has been expanded to eight months instead of just two months (as in the wild).

Recipe Ideas

Kutjera - Desert Raisins, have a distinctive raisin/caramel introduction with a strong spicy aftertaste, making it ideal for use when chopped into curries, salsas and as a crust on meat. Ground Kutjera is an easy form of this spice to sprinkle on baked vegetables, into sauces and bread mixes. Also try the new Bush Tomato Seasoning.

For some exciting recipe ideas using the Outback Pride range of products, including kutjera, check out the Season With Saltbush recipe blog via the Outback Pride website.

New Outback Pride Products

Two new products in the Outback Pride herb/spice range, available in both re-sealable bags and PET shaker bottles.

Bush Tomato Seasoning
Bush Tomato (Kutjera), a favorite with Australian Aboriginal people for thousands of years. A great seasoning for pizzas, pasta, salsa, sauces, seafood, vegetables and casseroles. Ingredients: Bush Tomato (Kutjera) 20%, Tomato Powder, ground Pea Meal, salt, Chilli Powder & garlic.

Native Pepper Seasoning
A unique blend of Pepper herbs, ideal for casseroles, stir fry vegetables, steak, seafood and sauces. Ingredients: Native Pepperleaf 20%, Native Pepperberry 10%, Sea Parsley flakes 20%, Ground Black Pepper, Sea Salt.

Special Offer: Mail Order Kutjera Pack

Outback Pride will happily post to you in Australia:

1 sachet of Desert Flakes - 15gm
1 sachet of Native Pepper Seasoning - 15gm
1 sachet of Whole Kutjera - 25gm

Only $19.95 including postage and handling (Australia only)

To take advantage of this special offer, simply email info@outbackpride.com.au with your postal address. You will be emailed an invoice with direct deposit information, and your order will be sent upon receipt of payment.

Until next time,
Mike & Gayle Quarmby, and the team at Outback Pride.