Quandong
Santalum acuminatum (Santalaceae Family)
A small desert tree up to
4 meters high, with rough dark bark and pale green elongated
hanging leaves. Quandong trees use the root system of other trees,
shrubs and grasses to supplement their own supply of nutrients and
water, and will therefore usually be found growing from the base of
another tree. The cream flowers are small and cup shaped, in
clusters at the ends of the outer branchlets. The flowers form in
late summer and - depending on the season - form fruit which is
ready for harvest in early spring.
The shiny, bright scarlet fruit is about 2cm in diameter and
contains one large nut or kernel, which is sometimes only
marginally smaller than the fruit.
Quandongs have been an
important traditional aboriginal fruit, which is, although somewhat
tart, highly nutritious and contains twice the vitamin C of an
orange. The kernel is also very nutritious but indigenous
Australians tended to use this mainly for medicinal purposes. The
wood from the slow growing trees was prized for the making of
traditional bowls - pitti or coolamons. The Quandong fruit feature
heavily in aboriginal mythology across all the desert regions of
Australia.
There is nothing yummier than Quandong Pie with cream and ice
cream, or Quandong Sauce glazed all over Roast Lamb or Pork. Scones
with Quandong jam and cream are delightful, or try serving a
Quandong and Chilli dipping sauce with spring rolls or chicken
wings. This tasty fruit has such an abundance of uses, the list
simply goes on...
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