The Health Benefits of Quandongs
This Australian native “bushfood” with the funny name is a bright red, tart-sweet desert fruit. Australian research has found quandongs are rich in antioxidant polyphenols, including rutin, and they are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, folate and fibre.
Wellness
Quandongs have been valued for food and traditional medicine by Aboriginal peoples for tens of thousands of years. Here is what they bring to a balanced diet:
Antioxidants Quandongs have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any native Australian fruit, helping protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Immune health Their vitamin C supports normal immune function.
Heart and blood vessels Rutin is a flavonoid being studied for its role in supporting healthy blood vessels and circulation.
Anti-inflammatory compounds Quandong polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies, an exciting area for native food research.
Digestive health The fruit provides fibre, which supports regular digestion.
Beauty
Antioxidant properties Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, and antioxidants like rutin help protect skin from free radical damage. Quandong extract is now appearing in natural Australian skincare.
Traditional uses Quandong kernels have traditionally been crushed for their oil, which has been used on the hair and skin.
Cooking with quandongs
Quandongs are a rich red color when ripe with a white interior flesh. They can be eaten raw, dried. They possess a tart sweetness similar to an apricot or a peach. In fact, some of their affectionate nicknames are “native peach,” “wild peach,” and “desert peach.” The fruits, kernels and nuts are most often collected from what is actually a small tree.
Quandongs lend themselves well to sweet and spicy chutneys (team them with rhubarb for a treat, Sunday morning jams and tantalizing glazes for your favorite lean protein such as pork tenderloin
If you are looking to hit a homespun homerun right out of the grocery bag, then Quandong Pie, add some Australian wattleseed, macadamia nut & dark chocolate for a treat, always an all-ages crowd-pleaser.
Interesting fact about Quandongs
Quandongs have been an important food for Aboriginal peoples for tens of thousands of years.
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
