Bushfoods Pie

May 25, 2006

Mike and Gayle Quarmby have been working in the APY Lands over the past few years, developing the community based bushfoods garden project as part of the Outback Pride project. This pie was developed in response to the obvious need for a nutritious, low fat, low salt convenience food, which would include bushfoods grown by the communities.

The objective of this product development has been to create, as close as possible, a completely balanced meal - low in fat and salt - in the form of a pie. A pie is ideal because it already exists as a popular convenience food amongst Anangu people. The emphasis of this product is to not only be as nutritious as possible, but also to taste great. This factor is the most important.

Fresh saltbush is used because of its natural mineral salt levels as well as providing iron, protein and anti-oxidants. Wattleseed provides a high fiber/protein thickener and Kampurarpa is high in vitamins and natural sugar. Vili's Pies are manufacturing this product to our specifications and will be distributing via their network, which includes Metcash. Heart Foundation accreditation is currently being registered.

The Bushfoods and Beef Pie features:

  • The lowest possible saturated fat level, at 2.8gm / 100gm (Patties pies = 6.6gm / 100gm.)
  • The minimum level of sodium salt, at 250mg / 100 gm (Patties pies 522mg / 100gm)
  • Maximum use of a balance of fresh cooked vegetables, at 47% (Patties Pies - no vegetables)
  • Utilization of bushfoods to enhance natural vitamins and minerals adding a contribution of traditional diet.
  • Pastry - low fat using whole meal flour to increase fiber, reduce processed white flour and to improve pastry structure, particularly with microwaving.
  • No use of artificial colors, flavours or preservatives.

Ingredients Analysis:

  • 30% Diced Lean Beef (approved supplier)
  • 14% water
  • 12% Diced Potatoes
  • 10% Diced Carrots
  • 10% Ground Peas
  • 10% Diced Onions
  • 5% Chopped Fresh Saltbush
  • 5% Diced Mushrooms
  • 1% Ground Wattleseed
  • 0.5% Ground Kampurarpa
  • 2% starch - maps 40 - Inpak
  • Pepper & Salt - to prescribed level