It's only 6 inches but it's still enjoyable

Australia is known for many things including: Awesome people, loads of deadly animals that will kill you, amazing weather and beaches, awesome people, multicultural diversity, the outback, Vegemite and is the only place on the planet where kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles wander freely about the streets interacting with the people...Oh, it's also full of awesome people who enjoy a beer, BBQ and a yarn (that means chat).

However, there are many hidden gems here in Australia, places to see, things to do and of course foods to try. Vegemite is always high on that list however today I want to introduce you to another well-kept secret, the taste sensation that is the Giant Twin. You can see one pictured below.

Now, in true-Aussie fashion the name has no correlation to what's actually inside the packet. The name Giant Twin is a little misleading because inside the wrapper is, indeed, only one item not two. My advice is to just roll with it and not overthink it.

The product is a chocolate coated ice cream bar and is manufactured right here in my home state of South Australia. In fact it is not even readily available in all states of the country: Yes, we get serious about our favourite products here in South OZ and so don't feel inclined to share them. All the more for us!

Yesterday was a hot day, so a perfect Giant Twins kind of day. I had two. Now you'll note in the images two boxes one of which is the original and the other the honey Giant Twin. I had hoped to showcase the new coffee one as well however they were sold out at the supermarket. I had an original and a honey one.

All it takes to enjoy one of these things is to tear the wrapper and bite. Once your teeth crack through the chocolate coating and into the rich creamy ice cream it all becomes quite clear as to why the humble Giant Twin is such an iconic treat here. The chocolate-to-ice cream ratio has been perfected allowing just the right mix in every bite. The chocolate is chocolatey and the ice cream is...Well, it's ice creamy! Who said perfection could not be found?

The founder of Golden North was William Bowker, and his family. They moved to Laura, South Australia 240km north of Adelaide in 1870. It was there they first began selling fresh milk and cream from their dairy in 1890. By 1923 they began production of Golden North ice cream in their factory in Laura, where it is still produced today. 1938 saw the first production of pasteurised milk and they were the first manufacturer to offer a half-gallon (2 litre) container of ice cream to the market in 1940. In 1948 Golden North Dairies was introduced and in 1950 they had the longest milk-run in the world from the Barossa Valley to Tenant Creek in Northern Territory. A distance of over 2000 kilometres (1200 miles).

In 1983 The business was sold by the Bowker family to Farmers Union and in 1984 a unique slice and serve "sausage" pack was introduced to the Adelaide market in 1984. In 2001 it was sold again to a group of four South Australian businessmen and it was added to the list of "Icon's of the State" in 2006.

Another sale took place in 2008 to the current owners consisting of five South Australian families. 2013 saw the 90th anniversary of the brand celebrated.

To be honest I don't think too much about who own's the company when I eat one however it's nice to know that the product is 100% South Australian owned and manufactured and they do not use palm oil which is another big tick! (Palm oil plantations contribute to a lot of the worlds deforestation).

The image immediately above gives an idea of the overall size of the product. The actual bar 16cm (6.3 inch) long so gives plenty of opportunity for enjoyment although some people, those who prefer 12 inches or more, are known to have more than one to sate their desire for the ice creamy goodness. If in doubt just have two. That's my recommendation.

So, I hope you manage to get the chance to enjoy a Giant Twin or two because that will mean you are in Australia and, almost certainly, in South Australia. If you're heading down here hit me up on discord and I'll buy you your first Giant Twin.