Spices of Alice Springs and the Central Desert
A town in the heart of Australia, near where desert foods such as wattleseed and bush tomato are traditionally harvested.
Traded and grown here
Best time: May to September, the cooler months.
Alice Springs lies in the arid centre, on Arrernte country. Aboriginal people of the desert have long gathered wattleseed, bush tomato, called akudjura, and other plants, and these have become part of modern Australian bush food products.
Spices and trade
Wattleseed is roasted and ground, and has a coffee-like, nutty flavour used in baking and desserts. Akudjura is a dried desert tomato with a savoury, caramel taste, used in sauces and seasonings. Many suppliers work with Aboriginal communities.
The place and its people
The Arrernte and other Aboriginal peoples hold deep knowledge of desert plants. Fair sourcing and respect for knowledge holders matter in this trade.
Visiting
The Alice Springs Desert Park and the Araluen Cultural Precinct explain desert plants and culture.
A trail idea for Alice Springs and the Central Desert
- Alice Springs Desert Park Learn about desert plants.
- Araluen Cultural Precinct Visit the arts centre.
- A local market Look for bush food products.
- The MacDonnell Ranges Drive to the gorges.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Alice Springs" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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