Boombera is one of the Indigenous words for Macadamia Nut.
Why is this Boombera month? It's Spring.... blossom time!
Macadamia nut blossoms are the most beautiful of Australian native blossom displays, and the Australian Macadamia Society shares that when a macadamia orchard is in blossom it's truly spectacular.
"The sweet scent of the flowers fills the air, the humming of busy bees and the rows of trees become a sea of delicate hanging blooms, mostly white, but sometimes brushed with pink or golden hues, depending on the variety."
Macadamias aren't just any nut, they're our very own Australian native treasure and this month is celebration of our favourite creamy, crunchy and oh-so-delicious nut.
Baphal's Gift: The Sacred Story Behind Australia's Native Treasure
From Dreamtime legend to premium chocolate - discover the spiritual journey of Baphal's nuts (macadamias)
In The First Time: The Legend of Baphal
As told by Aunty Olga Miller, senior Elder of the Butchella Tribe of Fraser Island (January 1993)
Way back in THE FIRST TIME [The Dreamtime], when Yindingie our Messenger God was leaving the Mountain, the Budjilla people had to decide who would look after their Land.
There was someone to go to Burrum Heads to look after the north and someone to look after the south at Inskip Point. When it came to looking after the Mountain, nobody wanted to really leave and go to a far away place, so a man called Baphal said he would go.
So Baphal packed for his long journey and, unbeknown to him, his friend the jewel lizard stowed away in his pack. He walked a long way, all the time he could see the Mountain in the distance. Finally he reached the Mountain and set up camp, when out jumped the little jewel lizard.
One day when Baphal was walking along he fell and hurt his foot – he could not get to food and water. The little lizard could see that Baphal was hurt, so he went to the rock wallaby to ask him what to do. Together with the kangaroo, they brought Baphal water in his eelamun.
Then the lizard said they had to get him some food. The rock wallaby said they should ask the cockatoo. So the cockatoo flew out and collected some nuts and scattered them around the mountain so Baphal could have food.
When the people saw what happened, they called the Mountain Baphal's Mountain. When they saw the lizard, they called him Baphal's lizard. And when they saw the nuts, they called them Baphal's nuts.
Cultural Note: The island where this sacred story originates was known as Fraser Island for nearly 200 years, but in 2023 was officially restored to its traditional Butchulla name K'gari (pronounced "GUR-rie"), meaning "paradise." Baphal's Mountain is believed to be what is now called Mount Bowarrady, the island's highest peak at 244 metres. This restoration of Indigenous place names reflects the growing recognition of Aboriginal Cultural heritage across Australia, and our connection to Country.
From Sacred Gift to Global Treasure
This is the true origin story of what we now call macadamia nuts - Baphal's nuts, scattered by the cockatoo in the Dreamtime to save a life. For over 60,000 years, Indigenous Australians have known these weren't ordinary nuts. They were sacred gifts, life-giving treasures, and connections to the very beginning of time.
Aboriginal peoples across eastern Australia treasured these nuts under many traditional names:
- Boombera
- Jindilli
- Gyndl
- Kindal-kindal
- Bauple
The Secret the World Forgot
Here's what might surprise you: every single macadamia tree growing anywhere in the world can trace its DNA back to Australia's ancient rainforests.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
Indigenous Australians didn't need research to know Baphal's nuts were special, but modern science has proven their ancient wisdom.
Therapeutic Powerhouse:
- Almost double the monounsaturated fats and proteins of almonds
- Zero cholesterol - actually help lower blood cholesterol levels
- Heart-protective: Recent research shows consuming 50-100g daily can decrease blood cholesterol by 7-9% in just 4 weeks
- Disease prevention: Consuming this amount 5+ times per week can reduce coronary heart disease risk by up to 53%
Nutritional Treasure Trove:
Vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B5, B6, Vitamin E, niacin and folate
Essential Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium
Powerful Compounds: Phytochemicals, Polyphenols, Amino Acids, Flavanols, dietary fibre
Chocolate On Purpose®: Honouring the Sacred Story
Watch the busy bees sharing stories with the Macadamia Blossoms as they pollinate 🐝
As Australia's first 100% Indigenous-owned chocolate company, Chocolate On Purpose® is bringing Baphal's gift back to its rightful place.
We're the only Australian Indigenous Chocolate Artisans using Boombera, and our Belgian Couverture Milk Chocolate with Boombera isn't just confectionery - it's edible storytelling.
Check out the profile the Australian Macadamia Society wrote about us here
Every bite connects you to:
- The Dreamtime legend of Baphal and the caring cockatoo
- 60,000+ years of Indigenous knowledge
- Premium Belgian chocolate with ethical sourcing
- Traditional names and sacred stories keeping Culture alive
The Perfect Marriage: Sacred Nuts Meet Premium Chocolate
Imagine the smooth, creamy marriage of cocoa, milk and caramel melting on your tongue, followed by the satisfying crunch and nutty sweetness of authentic Baphal's nuts.
This is reconciliation you can taste.
Our 100g zip-sealed pouches contain:
- 100% premium milk chocolate (35% cocoa solids)
- 10% Australian macadamias - Baphal's sacred gift
- No palm oil, no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavourings
- Vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free
Why This Story Matters
When you choose our Milk Chocolate with Boombera, you're:
- ✨ Honouring the Legend of Baphal and Dreamtime wisdom
- ✨ Supporting Indigenous enterprise and cultural preservation
- ✨ Reclaiming Australia's native heritage from global misconceptions
- ✨ Participating in sacred storytelling through premium chocolate
- ✨ Contributing to reconciliation one meaningful bite at a time
Taste the Sacred Story
Ready to taste the legend? Our Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nut (Boombera) is available now at chocolateonpurpose.com.au - where every purchase honours the sacred story of Baphal, supports Indigenous growers, and delivers an extraordinary chocolate experience that connects you to the very beginning of time.
Because some gifts from the Dreamtime are too sacred - and too delicious - to keep quiet.
Acknowledgements:
Much of the content in this article is drawn from the Australian Macadamia Society, the industry body representing Australia's macadamia growers. Visit their site for lots of Boombera-licious recipes! The Legend of Baphal is retold with deep respect as shared by Aunty Olga Miller, senior Elder of the Butchella Tribe of Fraser Island (January 1993).