The Tim Tam Harvest Begins

📰 BREAKING: Tim Tam Harvest Begins in Southern NSW

The annual Tim Tam harvest is officially underway across select regions of southern New South Wales, where carefully managed Tim Tam trees have reached peak biscuit maturity ahead of the 2026 season.

After nearly a full year of pruning, shade control, and quiet observation, producers confirmed the biscuits reached optimal snap and cream stability overnight, triggering the narrow harvest window that occurs just once per year.

“You feel it before you see it,” said Biscuit spokesperson Mel Keetehts.

“The air changes. The trees stop creaking. That’s how you know.”

Tim Tams grow in neat rectangular clusters along low-hanging branches, forming naturally beneath thick, waxy leaves that protect them from sun and judgement. As they mature, the outer chocolate hardens while the internal cream softens, achieving what growers refer to as “slam-ready balance.”

While similar biscuits can be grown overseas, Keetehts said Australia’s conditions are unmatched.
“You need heat, sudden rain, and a general sense of mild frustration,” she said.

“That’s what gives them structure.”

Harvesting is tightly controlled. Each biscuit is hand-twisted from the branch and immediately placed into padded crates. Shaking trees is strictly prohibited after a 2014 incident that resulted in “widespread crumbling and national embarrassment.”

Biscuits removed too early risk collapsing under tea immersion, while prolonged sun exposure can cause chocolate bloom, rendering them unsuitable for both slams and office kitchens.

Once picked, Tim Tams are transported under reflective covers to prevent sun strike, wind damage, or interference from passers-by claiming they’re “just having a look.”

Despite Australia’s sunny reputation, Keetehts warned that exposure can be sudden and unforgiving.
“Five minutes is enough,” she said.

“After that, you’re not harvesting. You’re apologising.”
Due to the high value of the crop, orchards are protected by 24-hour security to prevent incursions by Relatives, Office Snack Coordinators, and organised Biscuit Opportunists. Previous breaches have included ladder theft, fake clipboard use, and one attempted raid involving the phrase “head office sent me.”

Despite the heightened security, producers reassured the public there will be enough Tim Tams to meet demand and that panic buying is unnecessary.

“There’s plenty,” Keetehts said.

“Everyone will calm down eventually.”

Members of the public are advised to keep clear of Tim Tam orchards and obey all signage. Unauthorised picking, tasting, or on-site slamming will not be tolerated.

At time of publication, the harvest was progressing smoothly, with conditions described as “ideal,” morale “steady,” and one worker quietly heard muttering,
“Best year in ages.”