Damper

Damper is a traditional Australian outback food prepared by swagmen, drovers and other travellers. It consists of a wheat flour based, unleavened bread baked in the coals of a campfire. Damper is an iconic Australian dish.

Damper was originally developed by stockmen who travelled in remote areas for weeks with only basic rations of flour, preserved meat, butter, tea and sugar to live on. The basic ingredients were flour, water, salt and sometimes milk. The damper was normally cooked in the ashes of the camp fire. The ashes were flattened and the damper was placed in there for ten minutes to cook. Following this, the damper was covered with ashes and cooked for another 20 to 30 minutes until the damper sounded hollow when tapped. Alternatively, the damper was cooked in a greased camp oven.

Damper was eaten with dried or cooked meat or golden syrup, also known as "cockies joy". It was traditionally served with a cup of tea, made in a billy of course, or even a swig of Bundaberg Rum.

Damper was also a popular dish with Australian aborigines, many of whom worked as drovers. It also became a popular dish amongst recreational campers and gradually became available in many bakeries. Many variations and recipes exist, some of them authentic, others just using the name to sell a more palatable bread product to the urban public.

External links

• Damper page as part of an Australian resources site
• Page on damper as part of bush tucker
• Aussie Info page on damper