Why do we Aussies love prawns (not shrimps!) so much at Christmas? It’s a question that’s perplexed many a curious mind. While I don’t have a definitive answer, the allure of succulent prawns by itself or in barbie during the summer holidays is undeniable.
Imagine queuing for hours, sometimes even overnight, to secure the freshest catch. It’s a festive ritual that adds to the excitement of the season. And the sheer volume consumed is mind-boggling: 22,000 tonnes of prawns! That’s enough to fill 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
While prawns have become a beloved Aussie Christmas tradition, other countries have their own unique festive feasts. Turkey, for instance, is a common choice in many parts of the world because of the influence in British colonies. However, it’s interesting to note that turkey isn’t native to Britain. The British adopted it from the Americas and it eventually became a Christmas staple. This was definitely a wise choice to switch from having swan on the Royals’s table in Christmas!
Personally, I’m a fan of Filipino lechon in Christmas. The crispy skin and tender meat are simply irresistible. And who would know KFC can become the Christmas favourite in Japan? It’s a testament to the power of marketing that fried chicken has become a Christmas tradition.
I must stop here for my craving for food. Join me in the next blog post as we explore the sweet side of Christmas and delve into the world of festive desserts.
