Pree Release: 8 Dec 2022
ALTD SPIRITS X KAKADU KITCHEN produce first-ever Kakadu (an-marabula) native peach bellini- an altered perspective on an Italian classic.
Pioneering Indigenous bush foods specialist, Kakadu Kitchen, has partnered with Sydney-based alcohol-free specialists ALTD Spirits to produce a new limited-edition non-alcoholic beverage based on an-marabula, the Kakadu Native Peach.
The An-marabula Native Peach Bellini - Limited Edition is the first ever beverage to use an-marabula, a rare cousin of the renowned ‘superfood’, Kakadu plum.
The native peaches were harvested ethically by Kakadu Kitchen owner and Bininj man Ben Tyler and his extended family on their Murdudjurl community on Murumburr country near Cooinda in the heart of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.
This non-alcoholic Bellini is a sophisticated balance of native peach nectar, botanical extracts and a crisp de-alcoholised Australian sparkling wine.
The debut run is limited to just 300 cases, with small quantities available at Kakadu’s two premier hotels – Cooinda Lodge and Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel – as well as at specialist retailers including PNV Merchants in Newtown and Paddington (NSW), Porkin in Nightcliff (NT) and via the websites of Kakadu Kitchen and ALTD Spirits.
Kakadu Kitchen’s Ben Tyler said that while Kakadu Plum had become known world-wide for its rich vitamin C content and health credentials, the an-marabula native peach – which is fuzzy, like a peach, but the size of a grape – had never been harvested for use in commercial products.
“Fortunately, the bush around our remote family community at Murdudjurl produces large quantities of an-marabula, so my mum Jessie Alderson (respected senior Murumburr Elder), her great-grandson Ngarridj (Dave), and I were able to harvest a considerable quantity which I brought to Sydney for the production,” said Ben Tyler.
“Tim Triggs from ALTD and I experimented with a range of recipes before coming up with the final version, and I really think it makes the most of the native ingredient, an-marabula.
“This was the first commercial production of Kakadu native peaches, so we had to work out the best way of using such an exotic bush food while creating a Bellini-style drink.
“Unlike most peaches, the an-marabula is not very fruity, rather it is earthy in taste with distinct botanical tones. Almost bittersweet.
We created an extract from the Kakadu native peaches to capture the unique flavour and then combined it with peach and vanilla flavours to create a really distinctive, native and refreshing Bellini.
“It really is a ‘taste of Kakadu’ – wild, aromatic and a beautiful mouth feel.
“Importantly, the production and ingredients are totally in line with our sustainable principles. That’s how my family have lived in Kakadu for generations, and I wanted to bring that heritage to this product.”
Ben Tyler and Tim Triggs said the debut Bellini was the first of a range of seasonal beverages that they were planning to capture the exotic tastes of Kakadu. Tim and Ben are already working on the next drink in the line-up, a smoked bush white apple with native spices just in time for Australian winter 2023.
This non-alcoholic Bellini is an ideal summer drink, with low sugar, all natural ingredients, gluten free and vegan friendly.
Cartons of 4 x 250ml cans are available here
About Kakadu Kitchen
Kakadu Kitchen is the brainchild of proud Bininj chef and author, Ben Tyler, who grew up on Murumburr country in Kakadu National Park. Ben created Kakadu Kitchen to showcase First Nations bush foods aligned to the company’s mission to share Bininj culture with as many people as possible so it lives forever. Kakadu Kitchen has created a range of food and beverage products based on the principles of health, nature, and culture, as well as participating in First Nation’s food events around the country focusing on native non-alcoholic beverages. Ben has launched DIRD Kakadu Full Moon Feast, a new monthly collaboration with Cooinda Lodge executive chef, Phil Foote, that showcases local Kakadu seasonal native ingredients in a modern infusion celebrating Bininj culture and modern Australian cuisine.
https://www.facebook.com/kakadukitchen/
About ALTD Spirits
ALTD Spirits is Sydney’s first and internationally award-winning alcohol-free spirits brand. Australian native botanicals are ethically sourced, distilled and crafted to create spirit alternatives that are all natural, alcohol, sugar and calorie-free & vegan-friendly.
Further information:
Kakadu Kitchen: Ben Tyler: 0415 992789
ALTD Spirits: Tim Triggs 0425 333201
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