By Megan Voo
The Riverland boasts an abundance of native and local ingredients – Keryn and John Gorman are passionate about sharing them with South Australia.
Visitors to Illalangi Gourmet Foods instantly feel the enthusiasm owners Keryn and John have for the region and its local produce. Mountain pepperberries, wattleseed balsamic, sea celery, lemon myrtle: the providore showcases a range of unique local and native flavours through their house-made and gourmet products, sourcing all the ingredients either locally or further afield in South Australia.
Keryn is a proud Waikerie local and a devoted foodie, passionate about inspiring locals and visitors alike to enjoy the region’s rich and varied produce. Illalangi are also the caretakers of the Riverview Bush Tucker Garden, a shared project with Riverland West Landcare, where visitors can see, look, learn and taste a selection of edible native plants.
“The interpretive garden which overlooks the river includes a wide range of edible native species. It encourages people to use native ingredients within their own food and introduce the indigenous plants into their gardens at home,” says Keryn.
Passion and knowledge of local and native ingredients is a key attribute to Illalangi’s success in creating unique products, which are distributed throughout South Australia.
“We are part of the Eat Local SA network. Why not grow things that are local and native to the region and use them in our products? It just makes sense. ” Keryn and husband John have been growing grapes and olives in the Riverland for over 20 years.
Illalangi has always been a supporter of the Riverland community and operate the Waikerie Food Swap, Share and Sell from their providore. “Local producers can bring in their excess vegetables and fruits to swap or leave for us to sell on,” Keryn says. Keryn also supports local artists and other Riverland small businesses by stocking their wares.
The name Illalangi has a strong connection to Aboriginal culture, and means “home/place on the hill”. The business not only highlights the diverse ingredients of the region; it’s a warm and welcoming culinary hub, run by local staff who are knowledgeable about the Riverland’s offerings and love to share this with their customers.
The business’s best-selling products are their extra virgin olive oil, caramelised wattleseed balsamic and dukkah made with native spices, herbs and locally grown almonds and pistachios. They also produce relishes, jams and sauces, all made by hand in small batches and with no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
Keryn says they are always experimenting with new products and local seasonal produce. “Producing in small batches allows us to add a new product every now and then. We had a local grower that was growing mulberries so we did a batch of mulberry syrup.”
Illalangi Gourmet Foods have a strong sense of community and proudly support South Australian manufacturing and tourism. They celebrate their passion for the region and premium, clean green produce.