Did you know that macadamias are native to Australia and originated in the rainforests on the eastern coast millions of years ago? Whether you like them sweet, savory or spicy, these five creative Aboriginal-owned businesses creating outstanding macadamia goodies make it easy to celebrate with native Australian ingredients, including macadamias, this NAIDOC Week.
Check out these five Indigenous-owned brands tantalizing our taste buds with native Australian foods.
Warndu, South Australia
We’ve mentioned Warndu in our stories several times, including their excellent cookbook Warndu Mai. Warndu, led by Rebecca Sullivan and Damien Coulthard, is an Indigenous owned food company, every product created includes one or more native Australian ingredients.
Macadamia nuts feature in their Aussie Dukkah, alongside Bush Tomato, Saltbush, Australian Native Thyme, Wild Basil and Pepperberry. The only non-Australian ingredient is a small amount of sesame seeds. The dukkuh is perfect as a crust on meat, seafood and vegetables or of course as a dip with warmed fresh bread.
If you are feeling inspired, the dukkah recipe is available in their award-winning cookbook Warndu Mai to make at home. This cookbook is chock full of recipes made with Australian native ingredients, including macadamias.
Warndu have also created a Wattleseed, Macadamia and Australian White Clay Exfoliating Bar (Soap). Using a combination of oils, including macadamia oil, this exfoliating soap is gorgeous on your skin, and is palm oil free, organic and vegan.
Products available online at https://warndu.com.
My Dilly Bag, Queensland
Aunty Dale Chapman, an Indigenous woman born in Dirranbandi in south west Queensland on Yuwaalaraay and Kooma tribal lands. She has lived on Gubbi Gubbi land, known as the Sunshine Coast, since 1976.
A true foodie, Aunty Dale is a qualified chef who has crafted many culinary experiences across southeast Queensland. She started My Dilly Bag 20 years ago and works sustainably with Aboriginal communities that grow and harvest bush tucker ingredients.
My Dilly Bag features two different cold pressed macadamia oils including Mountain Pepper Macadamia Nut Oil and Lemon Myrtle & Ginger Macadamia Nut Oil. She also has an Earth Spice Dukkah, featuring macadamias, which is traditionally eaten with oil and bread but for some extra flavour and crunch try adding it to salads, stir fry’s or use it in a crumbing mix.
Available online at https://mydillybag.com.au/ or in store at 354 Mons Rd, Forest Glen QLD.
Mabu Mabu, Victoria
Nornie Bero, founder of Mabu Mabu, is on a mission to make native ingredients part of Australia’s everyday cooking and eating experiences. A professional chef, Nornie has created many exciting recipes for her cookbook, her restaurant and for her small batch pantry products.
With their boldly coloured packaging, the impressive pantry range includes wattleseed hot chocolate and a range of native spices and teas. But the one that really caught our eye was the Extra Hot Chilli Paste. Made with macadamia nuts and pepperberries, this super hot chilli paste is delicious not for the faint hearted.
Available online at https://www.mabumabu.com.au.
Indigiearth, New South Wales
You may well have heard of the award winning Indigearth products which first launched to the food industry and now features a wide range of products beloved by both chefs and home cooks alike. Founded by Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW, Indigiearth produces premium foods, made from Australian native products that are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested.
Indigearth has created a range of uniquely Australian chocolate coated macadamias including Quandong Milk Chocolate Coated Macadamias, Wild Rosella Chocolate Coated Macadamias, Wattleseed Milk Chocolate Macadamias and Lemon Myrtle Chocolate Coated Macadamias. Hmm which will be your favourite?
Available at select Woolworth supermarkets or online at https://indigiearth.com.au/.
Chocolate on Purpose, New South Wales
One to remember for World Chocolate Day. Chocolate on Purpose is Australia’s first Indigenous chocolate company creating artisan, handcrafted chocolate. Founded by Wiradyuri woman, Fiona Harrison, their signature range of chocolate is called “Bush Food Chocolate”, created by combining melt in the mouth couverture chocolate with Australian native botanicals.
They have many outstanding chocolate creations including their (award winning) chilli chocolate salami – all chocolate! – however their Milk Chocolate with Quandong (Guwandang) & Macadamia Nut (Boombera) is perfect for macadamia lovers. Quandong (Guwandang) is a highly nutritious native fruit containing twice the Vitamin C of an orange. Combine that with the nutrition and crunch of macadamias and you have a real winner!
Available online at https://chocolateonpurpose.com.au/ or in store at 17 Pym Street, Millthorpe NSW.
Chinese 
English 
