During the 1860 Burke and Wills expedition aimed at traversing Australia, the team encountered severe health issues, including scurvy and starvation. A significant factor contributing to their plight was their refusal to consume the traditional food of the indigenous Australians. This highlights a troubling disconnect between the expedition members and the available local resources that could have provided essential nutrients.
Foods like bugong-moth abdomen and witchetty grub, although unappetizing to some,...