Stuck for the best Australian Christmas Lunch ideas?
It is well known that Christmas in Australia is very different from countries in the Northern Hemisphere. While most of the world is celebrating the holiday season rugged up by an open fire and wishing for a “White Christmas”, we worry about heatstroke and slapping on the sunscreen!
Over the years, the tradition of a hot Christmas lunch has slowly evolved to encompass foods that are fresher, lighter and more suited to the Aussie climate.
If you’re spending Christmas on the beach, the last thing you want to do is pick sand out of your hot glazed ham or eggnog!
Aussies are known for their practicality, and because of this, menus including crisp, colourful salads and fresh seafood have become the norm on Christmas Day.
Charcuterie Boards Are Here to Stay
In recent years, social media has become saturated with imagery depicting the latest craze – grazing platters and charcuterie boards. Vibrant photos full of colour and texture create watering mouths and rumbling tummies everywhere!
The key to a successful grazing platter is contrasting flavours, plenty of colour and foods that don’t require temperature control to remain safe.
There are grazing platters dedicated to cured meats, lollies and desserts, and the traditional cheese fare. But Aussies are a creative bunch, and we have created a great new option for a festive-themed charcuterie that will last all day. It is absolutely delicious and healthy too!
Dried Fruit Grazing Platter
Introducing the dried fruit grazing platter aka charcuterie board. Combine a gorgeous timber board with dried fruits of all different textures and flavours, and you’ll have yourself a winner!
Why is this such a great option for your Australian Christmas lunch? Because it satisfies all of the criteria required of the best charcuterie boards, but with added practicality too. Adding a dried fruit grazing platter to your Christmas menu will:
- Keep you out of the kitchen so you can enjoy every moment with your family
- Make your Christmas table look amazing
- Tantalise the tastebuds of all of your guests
- Give you a menu item that doesn’t require hours of clean up or preparation
- Provide a selection of contrasting flavours from sweet to sour, and even savoury too
- Offer you a healthy snack amongst the traditionally rich and heavy foods on most Christmas tables
The Best Dried Fruits for Your Platter
Gin Gin & Dry are renowned for their passion for all things gourmet. Our dried fruit selection is second to none, and even better, it is all grown right here in Australia.
We suggest that you complete your dried fruit grazing platter with a selection of the following:
Dried Mango – nothing says “Aussie Christmas” more than mangoes! They are the star of the show when it comes to a festive menu in the land down under. The mango season in Australia coincides with summer and, of course, Christmas. So, mangoes make the perfect addition to your selection.
We have a great bulk buy deal on dried mango available until 20/12/2021. Get yours here.
Dried Pineapple – along with mango, nothing says summer more than the pineapple! Queensland grown and super sweet; your Australian Christmas platter wouldn’t be complete without this golden hero.
Dried Red and Green Apple – So easy to eat and bringing the great combo of sweet and sour to the table. Sweet dried red apple and sour dried green apple are the perfect contrasting duo. Red and green of course because we all know those are the colours of Christmas!
Red Dragonfruit – Queensland grown but with an exotic reputation, dried red dragonfruit will give your guests a memorable experience when they get to try something new! Perhaps the underdog of dried fruit, but sure to have your guests begging for more.
Dried Strawberries – Bring more tradition to the table by including dried strawberries on your charcuterie board. Aussies love strawberries, and ours are grown, sourced and dried in Queensland. The freshest produce you will find and ready for a summer feast.
Dried Kiwi Fruit – a little bit chewy, a little bit furry. Sweet and sour in one fruit. It may be called “Kiwi Fruit”, but it is as Aussie as it gets. Strawberries and Kiwi Fruit are a must on every self-respecting pavlova and your go-to staple for dried fruit platters too.
Dried Figs – set the bar high by including indulgent dried figs on your platter. Sulphur, sugar and preservative-free, dried Australian figs will elevate your menu to a whole new level.
Dried Citrus Selection – Blood orange, lemon and lime and ruby grapefruit too! Add a colourful citrus twist with this sweet and sour inclusion.
Dried Tomato – Add an element of surprise to your platter by including some dried tomatoes in the mix. It may also contribute to a robust discussion as your family debate whether they are fruit or vegetables. While they are enjoying the tarty tomato goodness, send your guests to this page here and put the debate to bed once and for all!
Dark Chocolate Ginger – For the traditionalists of the family, ginger is a must at Christmas! Sweeten the deal even more by combining it with a layer of indulgent dark chocolate. Premium certified Chinese ginger (made in Australia) and dark chocolate – a match made in a Christmas wonderland.
Dried Shredded Fruit Mix – As if there wasn’t already enough texture on the table, ramp it up some more by adding a mix of dried shredded fruits. A mix of mango, pineapple, red and green apple all in one delicious mouthful!
Orange Powder – Add a final zing to your platter by finishing it with a sprinkle of Orange Powder! Looks great, and your guests will be questioning just what that secret topping is!
Christmas Day Snacks Sorted
And there you have it, the formula to achieving a delicious, easy and colourful addition to your Australian Christmas lunch menu.
If you decide to create an amazing dried fruit platter for your guests, be sure to capture it and share it to your socials, we would love to see what you come up with!
Gin Gin & Dry are your team of passionate gourmets and dedicated dried fruit wholesalers in Australia.
Locally grown fruit and a unique drying process, Gin Gin & Dry have no added preservatives, colouring or additives and are the perfect healthy snack alternative.
We supply Dried Fruit, Fruit Powder, Shredded Muesli Fruit Mixes, Sweeter alternatives and Semi dried tomatoes.
Check out our online store and take advantage of flat rate shipping right across Australia.
