One thing I enjoy about the city of Adelaide is its many themed stores that specialise on types of products. In this case we are shown Charlesworth, a peanut store. What makes this place particularly good is its large variety and high quality products. I used to come here often to grab myself an on-the-go doggy bag if I had a strong craving.
(Source:https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g255093-d9805960-Reviews-Charlesworth_Nuts-Adelaide_Greater_Adelaide_South_Australia.html)
Charlesworth is a nut selling chain with over ten different stores located around South Australia, this is owing to its success. The one I will be talking about is the chain located just at the edge of Rundle mall near King williams street. This store offers over 170 different types of products. You have the selection between cooked nuts, raw nuts, fruit products, sweet products nut and fruit mixes and chocolate products.
(Source:http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/royal-adelaide-shows-best-food-options/news-story/67d6b6d4068028b979aef3b5181dca66)
When faced with all these different types of options behind glass windows, this might feel overwhelming, but never fear. It is very common to ask for tastings of different flavours. This would allow you to try some of the more unique flavours before buying them. I reckon the strangest flavours I’ve found have been white chocolate, coconut and lemon clusters and dark chocolate ginger bits.
The shop prides itself for its macadamia varieties of chocolate covered goodness. You could also get their honey roasted, salted and blanched varieties. The reason for its popularity is due to the fact that they are grown in the country and many have grown up eating these nuts.
I would definitely recommend most of their clusters, especially their dark chocolate cherry cluster bits that taste similar to Australia’s oldest chocolate bar (cherry ripe) but quite a bit more refined. Their chocolate and dark chocolate Macadamia nuts are also great options as the quality of both the nut and chocolate are sublime.
For the regular nuts I do recommend any of their cashew varieties. Whether it's unsalted, salted, dry roasted or spicey. I’ve tried them all and have been very happy with the results. Three of my favourites are also their honey roasted peanuts whenever I have sugar craving, a chili and lime peanut combo that will blow your taste buds to cloud nine and their strong tasting salt and vinegar peanuts. For those looking for something sweeter, they also offer purple sugar coated or glazed peanuts.
If you’re looking for a healthier option I would recommend any of their blanched varieties of peanuts. They are relatively cheap compared to many of their counterparts. If you’re looking to go all out, then I recommend their ‘Macadamia Magnific’ which is a toffee coated macadamia goodness covered in sweet milk chocolate. This one explodes in your mouth with different flavours.
(Source: https://www.pinterest.com/charlesworthnut/)
Along the walls of the establishment you will find many boxed peanuts and chocolate cases. Here you can find many different varieties to choose from. It is often common to gift these to mates or simply keep at home for a nice dinner or event. If you’re visiting for a short while and adore peanuts, then I would recommend you buy one of the many different boxed peanuts after deciding your favourites through tastings. They offer a great variety and allow you to taste all different types of flavours.
(Source: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesworthNuts/)
An honorable mention is their different types of ‘bullet’ chocolates that are usually filled with either fruity flavours or licorice. They are particularly popular with the locals. I have yet to acquire a taste for them although quite a few people seem to enjoy it.
Happy eating and enjoy your travelling.
