The Illawarra Plum is native to sub-tropical eastern New South Wales and Queensland. It is also known as Daalgaal and Gidneywallum.
The vivid purple fruit has a plum/pine flavour which is primarily harvested in the wild.
The fruit contains appreciable quantities of sticky sugars which are hugely beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract. The antioxidant level is seven times that of blueberries.
It is primarily used to make jams, beverages and conserves.
Illawarra Plum Sauce (ideal with kangaroo fillet)
200g Illawarra plums
100g sugar
200ml water
1 red chilli, sliced
1 Tsp crushed garlic
1/2 onion, diced
1 Tsp brown sugar
3 Tbs macadamia nut oil
In a small saucepan, add plums, sugar and water. Bring to the boil and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Pour into a blender and puree.
For the sauce, heat macadamia oil in a pan, add diced onion, garlic and chilli. Saute until transparent, add brown sugar and plum puree and allow mixture to reduce.