Quandong kibble (Santalum acuminatum), also known as desert peach or native peach, is dried quandong fruit from one of Australia's most significant bush food trees. Aboriginal Australians have relied on this tart, vitamin C-rich fruit for over 40,000 years, drying it for long-term storage and transport across arid landscapes. The flavour is distinctly its own, often compared to peach, apricot, or rhubarb, with a refreshing tartness from natural malic acid. Quandong contains roughly twice the vitamin C of oranges and more antioxidants than blueberries. Key Benefits High in vitamin C: Contains approximately 180 mg of vitamin C per 100g of fresh fruit, roughly twice that of oranges. Rich in antioxidants: Contains phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ferulic acid. Antioxidant capacity exceeds that of blueberries. Nutrient-dense: A natural source of iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, and folate. Versatile in the kitchen: Perfect for pies, jams, chutneys, sauces, crumbles, and desserts. Also makes a delicious quandong liqueur. Long shelf life: Dried quandong kibble stores well and rehydrates easily. 100g of dried fruit becomes approximately 500g when soaked. How to Use Rehydrating: Soak dried quandong in water overnight for the best texture, or cover with boiling water for 15 minutes for a quicker soak. For extra flavour, soak in apple juice instead of water. 100g of dried fruit becomes roughly 500g when fully rehydrated. Classic quandong pie: Combine rehydrated quandong with apple, a little sugar, and water. Simmer until soft, thicken with cornflour, fill a pastry-lined pie tin, and bake. Quandong and apple crumble is equally delicious and simpler to make. Sauces and preserves: Makes outstanding jam, chutney, and fruity sauces for kangaroo, duck, or pork. For a native twist, add Tasmanian Pepper Berries and Lemon Myrtle to your quandong jam. Also pairs well with Davidson Plum Powder in mixed native fruit preserves. Good to Know The quandong tree is a hemiparasite, meaning it draws nutrients from the roots of neighbouring trees while still photosynthesising on its own. It cannot survive without a host plant, which is why it is always found growing near other trees like acacias. In Aboriginal tradition, the emu plays a vital role in dispersing quandong seeds across the landscape. This relationship is encoded in the Emu and Quandong Dreaming, one of many stories that preserve ecological knowledge spanning tens of thousands of years. The high malic acid content may aggravate acid reflux in some people. This product is dried fruit flesh only and does not contain the kernel. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
