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​Unveiling Australian Flavours: Exploring Native Ingredients in Charley's Chocolate Creations

7th Jun 2024

Australia's rich biodiversity isn't just confined to its landscapes; it's also infused into the culinary world. At Charley's Chocolate, we take immense pride in harnessing the unique and diverse flavours of our homeland, incorporating native ingredients into our decadent creations.

"Unlocking the Tangy Elegance of Davidson's Plum: A Journey into Australia's Unique Native Fruit"

Nestled deep within the lush rainforests of Australia lies a hidden culinary gem: the Davidson's plum. With its deep purple hue and tangy-sweet flavour profile, this native fruit is not only a delight to the senses. Named after Allan Cunningham's assistant, the Scottish-Australian botanist David Davidson, this fruit has long been cherished by Indigenous communities for its medicinal properties and culinary versatility.

Despite its small size, the Davidson's plum packs a powerful punch of flavour, boasting a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness that sets it apart from other fruits. Its vibrant colour and unique taste make it a prized ingredient in a variety of dishes, from jams and sauces to desserts and beverages.

But beyond its culinary appeal, the Davidson's plum also holds significant nutritional value, being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its potential health benefits have sparked interest among researchers and health enthusiasts alike, further cementing its status as a superfood from down under.

At Charley's Chocolate, we incorporate the exquisite flavour of Davidson's plum into our premium Signature range chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of chocolatey goodness and tangy fruitiness. Discover the magic of Davidson's plum for yourself.

"Lemon Myrtle: Australia's Fragrant Gift to the Culinary World"

In the heart of Australia's lush rainforests, among the rich tapestry of native flora, grows a plant that has captured the imagination of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide: Lemon Myrtle. With its vibrant citrus aroma and versatile flavour profile, Lemon Myrtle has emerged as a culinary sensation, adding a refreshing twist to dishes across the globe.

Indigenous to the subtropical rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, this aromatic plant has been cherished by Australia's Aboriginal people for centuries, prized for its medicinal properties and culinary significance.

What sets Lemon Myrtle apart is its intense citrus flavour, reminiscent of lemons but with a unique depth and complexity. Whether used fresh or dried, its leaves infuse dishes with a burst of freshness, lending a zesty punch to everything from savoury stews and seafood to sweet desserts and beverages.

But Lemon Myrtle is more than just a flavouring agent; it's also a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils. Its potential health benefits, including immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, have earned it a special place in the realm of natural medicine and holistic wellness.

At Charley's Chocolate, we celebrate the exquisite flavour of Lemon Myrtle by incorporating it into our Signature milk chocolate range, creating a harmonious fusion of creamy chocolate and zesty citrus.


"Macadamias: The Creamy Delight from Down Under"

In the sun-drenched orchards of Queensland lies a treasure trove of creamy goodness: the macadamia nut. Renowned for its rich, buttery flavour and crunchy texture, the macadamia is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of Australia's natural abundance and agricultural prowess.

Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, macadamias have been cherished by Indigenous communities for thousands of years, valued not only for their delicious taste but also for their nutritional benefits and medicinal properties.

Today, macadamias are celebrated around the world for their exquisite flavour and versatility in the kitchen. Whether enjoyed roasted and salted as a wholesome snack, sprinkled over salads and desserts for added crunch, or blended into creamy spreads and sauces, these versatile nuts add a touch of indulgence to any dish.

M are also packed with nutritional goodness. Rich in heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, macadamias offer a range of health benefits, from supporting cardiovascular health to promoting radiant skin and hair.

We currently use Macadamia’s in four of our Single Origin chocolate blocks; Milk chocolate Plus Macadamia Raisin, Dark Chocolate Plus Roasted Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Plus Macadamia Praline and Signature Milk Chocolate Tropical Crunch.

"Murray River Salt: Australia's Pink Gem of Culinary Excellence"

In Australia's iconic Murray-Darling Basin lies a culinary treasure that's as beautiful as it is delicious: Murray River salt. With its delicate pink hue, delicate flakes, and unique flavour profile, this gourmet salt has captivated chefs and food enthusiasts around the world, elevating dishes with its subtle yet distinct taste.

Formed over thousands of years through natural evaporation, Murray River salt is harvested from the mineral-rich waters of Australia's longest river, where it absorbs trace minerals and elements that contribute to its signature flavour and colour.

What sets Murray River salt apart is its delicate texture and mild flavour, making it the perfect finishing touch for a wide range of dishes. Whether sprinkled over grilled meats and vegetables, tossed into salads, or used to rim cocktail glasses, its subtle salinity enhances the natural flavours of ingredients without overpowering them.

But Murray River salt isn't just prized for its culinary attributes; it's also celebrated for its purity and nutritional benefits. Unlike processed table salt, Murray River salt retains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

At Charley's Chocolate, we We add crystals of Australian Murray River Flaked Pink Salt to our bold and earthy PNG dark chocolate for a very adult and very addictive taste.