Forget about the delicate pastries of France, the exquisite steaks of Argentina and the stodgy pub food of England, There’s a new boy on the food scene and he comes with a whole host of delicious treats from the country that is gracing our screens with the finals of the Rugby World Cup: New Zealand. One of the most enjoyable features of touring in New Zealand is the culinary treats that are waiting to be discovered. So as you settle in to watch the matches on Saturday and Sunday, ditch the pizza and beer and try something new.
The cream of any New Zealand tour
- The desert that divides nations – PAVLOVA – there has long been an argument as to the origins of this delicious desert but historical research leans favourably in the direction of New Zealand; which infuriates the Aussies to no end. In essence, the Pavlova is a meringue based dessert with a crisp outside and soft inside. Traditionally, the Pavlova is topped with a generous dollop of cream and various fruits (kiwi fruit and strawberries tend to usually feature quite heavily). No family gathering or celebration is complete without a perfectly decorated Pavlova taking the central place on the dinner table.
- MANUKA HONEY – the honey that is native to New Zealand has long been stocked on the shelves of Tesco and the other supermarket giants, but not many people realise that aside from being delicious drizzled over your porridge in the morning many types (around 10%) actually have incredible healing properties. From soothing sore throats and colds to promoting natural healing on grazes and burns, Manuka Honey is your new one stop shop and surely must become a kitchen cupboard staple.
- L AND P – Brits drink teaas if it is going out of fashion, the Americans opt for the sugary Coca Cola, and the Kiwis reach for a bottle of L&P. Otherwise known as Lemon & Paeroa, L&P is a sweet soft drink manufactured in NZ. It is traditionally made by combining lemon juice with carbonated water from the Kiwi town of Paeroa. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but definitely a drink that should be tried… perhaps with a shot of southern comfort?
- CHOCOLATE TREATS – as with most countries around the world, New Zealand has an incredible range of chocolate treats that are native to them and also incredibly unique! From Pineapple Lumps and Moro Gold Bars to Perkynana and Whittakers Peanut Slab; there is something to satisfy the cravings of even the most insatiable appetite of a chocolate fiend.
- KUMARA – you say sweet potato, they say Kumara. It is eaten in dips, breads, sweet treats and so many more; even better, some fast food places (native to NZ) serveKumara as an option for fries instead of potato.
Next time you walk past the exotic/foreign food section of your local supermarket, keep your eyes peeled for some of these delicious treats and give them a go. Who knows, these delicious New Zealand foods could be the reason behind their success in the rugby world cup – one care package coming your way Mr Johnson.
