A superfood from the bush thriving in our backyard for over 140 million years

A culturally significant Australian nut dating back to the Jurassic period could have a big future on the global food stage after new research confirmed its substantial health benefits.

Queensland University’s Dr Jaqueline Moura Nadolny, from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, said the bunya nut was an energy and nutrient-rich bushfood with huge commercial potential.

“Bunya nuts are low in fat, high in fibre, gluten free and contain all the essential amino acids, protein and folate, while the husk is high in antioxidant compounds,” Nadolny said.

“Indigenous Australians boiled and roasted them, but they can be eaten straight out of the cone, ground into flour, brewed into tea and even fermented.”

Nadolny said bunya nuts could be as commercially successful as similar nuts from the same family in Brazil and Chile, but the industry in Australia faced stark environmental challenges.

“Established bunya trees are under threat from phytophthora, a root rot that causes dieback,” she said.

“It’s critical new trees are planted, as well as grafted to speed up fruiting to within five or six years.”

She said each tree could produce hundreds of cones, each containing up to 100 nuts.

“In South America, grafting has helped boost production,” she said.

Shannon Bauwens, cultural services coordinator for the Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation, welcomed Nadolny’s research.

“The bunya nut has a strong cultural significance to traditional owners and other Indigenous peoples who gathered for thousands of years in pre-colonial times for feasting and ceremonies,” he said.

“The Bunya Mountains in southern Queensland are home to the largest known stand of the species in the world, and the trees live for hundreds of years.

“Creating an industry surrounding the bunya nut would not only ensure its survival but create a sustainable industry for mob, allowing them to share their knowledge with the community.”

Nadolny said bunya nuts could be the centre of a thriving Indigenous enterprise.

“I work with Indigenous communities who are interested in harvesting, selling and producing food products from the nuts, creating jobs and income,” she said.

“Taking measures now to ensure a healthy future for Australia’s bunya trees could lead to showcasing this incredible Indigenous food and its potential to the world.”