kakadu plums

When you’re exploring on Kimberley tours, you’ll come across an amazing variety of stunning plant life which dot the rugged landscape. One of the most incredible plants you’ll come across is the Kakadu Plum which contains impressive nutritional and antiseptic properties. Let’s take a closer look at the amazing Kakadu Plum!

Quick facts about the Kakadu Plum

The Kakadu Plum, also known as the Gubinge, Billygoat Plum or Murunga, is a small to medium sized deciduous tree which is native to the north of Australia. The tree can be identified by its large green leaves which tend to be concentrated at the ends of the branches. The white flowers eventually give way to the distinctive oval shaped fruit which only measures around 2cm in length. The fruit, which makes an appearance from March onwards, starts out green and ripens into a yellow colour.
For thousands of years, the Kakadu Plum has been used as both food and medicine to the Aboriginal people of the region and it continues to thrive in the area. When it comes to taste, there’s a reason that it’s becoming a popular ingredient in cooking thanks to its citrusy flavour.

The health benefits of the Kakadu Plum

  • Extremely high in vitamin C and is has the highest recorded concentration of vitamin C than any fruit in the world.
  • High levels of vitamin C means it contains 100 times the vitamin C of oranges and over five times more antioxidants that blueberries.
  • Valuable source of iron, folate and vitamin E.
  • Contains phytochemicals such as gallic acid, which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and ellagic acid which maintains healthy tissue.
  • The high level of antioxidants means that there’s hope it can help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Traditionally used as a medicine by the Aboriginal people due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Keeping up with demand

The Australian and international market has now realised the benefits of the Kakadu Plum and demand has increased for this unassuming little fruit. In the past, the fruit had to be gathered from the wild so an Indigenous community near Fitzroy Crossing are trialling a plantation of Kakadu Plum trees in an attempt to keep up with demand. The project is in conjunction with North Regional TAFE and a total of 70 trees have been planted. If the trial is successful, it will be the beginning of a sustainable supply of Kakadu Plums to the wider market.
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If you’re ready to cruise the Kimberley in luxury, speak to Ocean Dream Charters today on 1300 944 727.