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'''Bush tucker''', also known as '''bush food''', is a term used to describe any food native to Australia and used by the original inhabitants, the [[Aboriginal Australians]], for sustenance. This includes a wide variety of plant and animal foods, many of which are still used in contemporary Australian cuisine.
== Bush Tucker ==
 
[[File:Yuendumu_Gold_33.jpg|Bush tucker|thumb|right]]
 
'''Bush tucker''', also known as bush food, refers to any food native to [[Australia]] and used as sustenance by the original inhabitants, the [[Aboriginal Australians]], as well as by early European settlers. The term is often used to describe the traditional diet of the Aboriginal people, which includes a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects found in the Australian bush.


== History ==
== History ==


The use of bush tucker in Australia dates back over 60,000 years, with the Aboriginal Australians being the world's oldest known living culture. They have a deep knowledge of the land and its flora and fauna, which they have passed down through generations. This knowledge includes the use of over 5,000 species of edible plants and animals.
The use of bush tucker dates back tens of thousands of years, with Aboriginal Australians having developed a deep understanding of the land and its resources. They utilized a wide range of native plants and animals, adapting their diet to the seasonal availability of different foods. This knowledge was passed down through generations and remains an integral part of Aboriginal culture today.
 
== Common Bush Tucker Foods ==
 
=== Plants ===
 
[[File:Billardiera_scandens(cropped).jpg|Billardiera scandens|thumb|left]]
 
Many native Australian plants are used as bush tucker. Some of the most well-known include:
 
* '''[[Billardiera scandens]]''': Also known as apple berry, this plant produces small, edible fruits that are sweet and juicy.
 
* '''[[Santalum acuminatum]]''': Commonly known as the quandong, this fruit is high in vitamin C and has a tart flavor. It is often used in jams and desserts.
 
[[File:Santalum_acuminatum_fruit1.JPG|Santalum acuminatum fruit|thumb|right]]
 
* '''[[Acronychia acidula]]''': Known as lemon aspen, this fruit has a tart, citrus-like flavor and is used in sauces and drinks.
 
[[File:Acronychia_acidula1.jpg|Acronychia acidula|thumb|left]]
 
* '''[[Citrus australasica]]''': Also known as finger lime, this fruit is prized for its caviar-like vesicles and is used in gourmet cooking.
 
[[File:Citrus_australasica_red_whole.jpg|Citrus australasica red whole|thumb|right]]
 
* '''[[Backhousia citriodora]]''': Commonly known as lemon myrtle, this plant is used for its aromatic leaves, which have a strong lemon flavor.
 
[[File:Backhousia_citriodora.jpg|Backhousia citriodora|thumb|left]]
 
=== Animals ===
 
Bush tucker also includes a variety of native animals, such as kangaroo, emu, and crocodile. These meats are high in protein and were traditionally hunted by Aboriginal Australians using spears and other tools.
 
=== Insects ===


== Types of Bush Tucker ==
Insects such as witchetty grubs, honey ants, and bogong moths are also part of the bush tucker diet. These insects are rich in protein and fats, providing essential nutrients.


Bush tucker includes a wide variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to insects and animals. Some of the most well-known bush tucker foods include:
== Cultural Significance ==


* '''[[Macadamia nuts]]''': Native to Australia, these nuts were a staple food for Aboriginal Australians and are now a popular ingredient in modern Australian cuisine.
Bush tucker is not only a source of food but also holds cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal Australians. Many plants and animals are associated with [[Dreamtime]] stories and are used in traditional ceremonies.
* '''[[Witchetty grubs]]''': These larvae of moths were traditionally eaten raw or cooked by Aboriginal Australians.
* '''[[Kangaroo]]''': Kangaroo meat has been a significant source of protein for Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years.


== Contemporary Use ==
== Modern Use ==


In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bush tucker, with many contemporary Australian chefs incorporating native ingredients into their dishes. This has led to a greater appreciation of the unique flavors and nutritional benefits of these foods, as well as a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and knowledge.
Today, bush tucker is gaining popularity in contemporary Australian cuisine. Chefs are incorporating native ingredients into their dishes, and there is a growing interest in sustainable and locally sourced foods. Bush tucker is also being used in the production of bush foods and bush medicines, contributing to the economic development of Aboriginal communities.


== See Also ==
== Related Pages ==


* [[Australian cuisine]]
* [[Australian cuisine]]
* [[Aboriginal Australians]]
* [[Aboriginal Australians]]
* [[Foraging]]
* [[Dreamtime]]


[[Category:Australian cuisine]]
[[Category:Australian cuisine]]
[[Category:Indigenous Australian culture]]
[[Category:Aboriginal culture]]
[[Category:Foraging]]
[[Category:Bushfood]]
{{Australian cuisine}}
{{Indigenous Australian culture}}
{{food-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Yuendumu_Gold_33.jpg|Bush tucker
File:Billardiera_scandens(cropped).jpg|Billardiera scandens
File:Santalum_acuminatum_fruit1.JPG|Santalum acuminatum fruit
File:Bush-Tomato.jpg|Bush Tomato
File:Acronychia_acidula1.jpg|Acronychia acidula
File:Citrus_australasica_red_whole.jpg|Citrus australasica red whole
File:Backhousia_citriodora.jpg|Backhousia citriodora
File:Aclo_001_lhp.jpg|Bush tucker
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 18:46, 23 March 2025

Bush Tucker[edit]

Bush tucker

Bush tucker, also known as bush food, refers to any food native to Australia and used as sustenance by the original inhabitants, the Aboriginal Australians, as well as by early European settlers. The term is often used to describe the traditional diet of the Aboriginal people, which includes a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects found in the Australian bush.

History[edit]

The use of bush tucker dates back tens of thousands of years, with Aboriginal Australians having developed a deep understanding of the land and its resources. They utilized a wide range of native plants and animals, adapting their diet to the seasonal availability of different foods. This knowledge was passed down through generations and remains an integral part of Aboriginal culture today.

Common Bush Tucker Foods[edit]

Plants[edit]

Billardiera scandens

Many native Australian plants are used as bush tucker. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Billardiera scandens: Also known as apple berry, this plant produces small, edible fruits that are sweet and juicy.
  • Santalum acuminatum: Commonly known as the quandong, this fruit is high in vitamin C and has a tart flavor. It is often used in jams and desserts.
Santalum acuminatum fruit
  • Acronychia acidula: Known as lemon aspen, this fruit has a tart, citrus-like flavor and is used in sauces and drinks.
Acronychia acidula
  • Citrus australasica: Also known as finger lime, this fruit is prized for its caviar-like vesicles and is used in gourmet cooking.
Citrus australasica red whole
  • Backhousia citriodora: Commonly known as lemon myrtle, this plant is used for its aromatic leaves, which have a strong lemon flavor.
Backhousia citriodora

Animals[edit]

Bush tucker also includes a variety of native animals, such as kangaroo, emu, and crocodile. These meats are high in protein and were traditionally hunted by Aboriginal Australians using spears and other tools.

Insects[edit]

Insects such as witchetty grubs, honey ants, and bogong moths are also part of the bush tucker diet. These insects are rich in protein and fats, providing essential nutrients.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Bush tucker is not only a source of food but also holds cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal Australians. Many plants and animals are associated with Dreamtime stories and are used in traditional ceremonies.

Modern Use[edit]

Today, bush tucker is gaining popularity in contemporary Australian cuisine. Chefs are incorporating native ingredients into their dishes, and there is a growing interest in sustainable and locally sourced foods. Bush tucker is also being used in the production of bush foods and bush medicines, contributing to the economic development of Aboriginal communities.

Related Pages[edit]