Food: The humble Rusk brings new flavour to Darling

In this episode of 'Lunch with Pippa Hudson,' host Pippa Hudson explores the cultural significance and evolution of the South African rusk, a beloved staple often considered quintessentially local. She welcomes Fritz von Reinerfeldt, co-owner of Evita Speron Bakery in Darling, formerly known as Swartland Kitchen, to discuss the brand’s rebranding, its handmade production, and the rich history behind the rusk. Fritz shares how the rusk—though deeply embedded in South African identity—has roots in European baking traditions, particularly from Dutch, British, and German influences, with parallels in Italian biscotti and Scandinavian variations. Despite launching on the very day of South Africa’s national lockdown in March 2020, the business survived by pivoting to online sales, turning the rusk into an essential good during crisis. The conversation dives into flavor innovation, the art of the perfect dunk, and consumer demand for healthier, less sugary options, including sunflower and sesame, almond and orange, and reduced-sugar breakfast rusks. Listeners are invited to share their own rusk stories and experiments, from dunking in red wine to making homemade versions using substitutes like yogurt or lemon-milk buttermilk. The episode closes with an invitation to visit the bakery in Darling for a world-first rusk tasting experience and to purchase online via darlingsuite.co.za.