I have almost zero experience of indigenous foods but would be keen to learn more (hopefully from this forum). I have enjoyed Bunya nuts when visiting Bunya mountains and I understand that they have been an important food source for indigenous Australians. I have gained the (possibly incorrect) impression manly from dubious sources like TV and magazines that much of what is promoted as ‘bush tucker’ has novelty value unique flavours and possibly important nutritional or medicinal components but not much in the way of body building protein or energy giving carbohydrates especially with regard to the current population of The Grove. A google search revealed quite a substantial amount of information (and marketing hype) about bush food in SE Queensland it will need a bit more digging to extract the useful bits.
There seem to be a few actions that might progress this topic. I’m sure others will have much more to contribute than I.
1. Accumulate a list (illustrated?) of bush food and medicine plants that grow or used to grow in The Grove.
2. Identify the locations where any of these might still be growing here and implement plans for their protection and/or use.
3. Gather stories of people’s experience in using these. (how to grow when to harvest how to cook/detoxify)
4. Call upon expert guest speakers who might educate us on this subject.
That’s my two-bobs-worth for now.
Cheers
John T