Wandering Through Australian Food.

Australian food has embraced culinary traditions: British, European, Asian, Middle Eastern and now Indigenous foods.

Genteel reader, Must caution thee, Little poem started life praising meat pies, Poor poet lost stop button and forgot about publish button, Need more coffee.

Here goes.

Australian cuisine bought by immigrants, I’m third generation, Aus food adapted to harsh climate and long travel distances, No “must do” or “must be” rules, Spirit of celebrating experimentation.

Now maturing with focus on saluting bewildering array of indigenous foods and delicacies, Indulgent exaltation of local food experiences.

But to outsiders, Australian cuisine is meat pie and sauce with free-flowing beer.

I’ve sampled exquisite cuisine in times of travel, Australian food has come of age and here in Sydney my eyes feast on wonderful blends of Asian and European cuisines extolling indigenous ingredients.

I say “eyes” because with age comes dietary restrictions, I’m still partial to childhood favorite vegemite on toast, Sometimes share meat pie with grandchildren, Just a taste.

Bush Tucker

Bush tucker or bush food is food native to Australia and historically eaten by Indigenous Australians.

Animal foods include kangaroo emu witchetty grubs and crocodiles.

Plant foods cover fruits such as quandong and kutjera spices including lemon myrtle and vegetables like warrigal greens and native yams.

Since 1970's increasing recognition of nutritional and gourmet value of native foods by non-Indigenous Australians.

Bushfood industry grown enormously, Kangaroo meat been available in supermarkets since 1980's, Other indigenous foods sold in restaurants or packaged as gourmet foods encouraging expanding commercial cultivation of native food crops.

Native Australian foods well adapted to Australia’s environment particularly extremes, Up to 5,000 species of Australian flora and fauna eaten by Indigenous Australians.

Granny Smith Apple Success.

Granny Smith cultivar originated in Eastwood suburb of Sydney in 1868, Not to far from my apartment.

Discoverer Maria Ann Smith migrated to Sydney 1839 husband Thomas, Purchased small orchard 1855–1856.

1868 chance seedling had sprung near a creek, Smith propagated new cultivar, Found apples good for cooking and for general consumption, I love them, By 1975 40% of Australia’s apples were Granny Smiths.

Coffee Culture (sipping coffee right now!).

Australia has distinct coffee culture, Grown from independent cafes since early 20th century, Iconic Greek cafés of Sydney and Melbourne first to introduce locally roasted coffees in 1910.

1952 first espresso appeared in Australia, Vittoria established and became Australia’s iconic coffee brand, Remains largest coffee maker before moving to USA.

International coffee chains like Starbucks have little market share in Australia.

Alcohol.

Beer in Australia popular since colonial times, Australia’s first commercial brewery established 1798.

Australian wine industry fifth largest exporter of wine around the world.

Lived in England in ‘70’s Returned to Australia Lost all interest, Two of my sons wine experts so they tell me, Have sons’ wine fridges in apartment, Impress friends with my expertise and excellent taste, Try not to say anything.

Cakes and Anzac Biscuits.

Classic Australian biscuit, ANZAC biscuit, Often homemade and so-called as they were sent by families and friends to Australian soldiers fighting in Europe and Dardanelles in First World War.

Lamington is classic cake, Made from two squares of butter cake, coated in chocolate sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut.

My great love is Pavlova, Meringue-based dessert, However origins of this are contested as New Zealand lays claim to its invention, Naturally they’re wrong because mother told me so.

Many variations exist for “Anzac Biscuits”, Closest to my memory of how grandmother made hers is here.

Blessed be.