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Lemon myrtle the "Queen" of the bushfood industry
has been used for food, in cosmetics, insect repellants as bush medicine and much more. Probably the best known bush herb, this fantastic leaf has a strong lemon citrus flavour and aroma, great for adding some great flavour to any dish. To learn more about Lemon Myrtle, how to use it, how it grows, is it healthy for you, the history of lemon myrtle. -
There are many species of native mint in the Australian natives, they are all wild-harvested. Some, like River Mint have a strong spearmint taste and aroma, whereas the Round-leaf or Bush Mint is more like your traditional mint with a slight aromatic edge. The early settlers used Australian native mints to make mint sauce for their Sunday roast lamb. This native bushfood herb is just as versitile as the traditional mints and can be replaced by them, use a little until you get used to the strong minty flavour. BushBBQ's Wild Mint & Lavender Tea is a perfect way to enjoy a quiet cuppa in the afternoon, made with Australian grown green tea and beautifully packaged this tea makes a wonderful gift for someone special.
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TASMANIAN PEPPERLEAF, Soft, peppery and aromatic
Wild Australian Pepper, both the leaf and berries, come from the alpine areas of Tasmania and North East Victoria
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How to use Australian Pepperberries
These amazing little dried black Pepperberries pack a really "really" hot chilli punch
So many times when giving cooking demo's or talking about native edibles, sending around samples for people to smell and try. Pepperberries are the one thing that I advise not to try, but of course, there's always someone!...and then I'm treated to the drama of watering eyes and a hand trying to fan out a burning mouth. Yes, pepperberries really pack a punch! These little guys are really hot hot hot, it firsts hits on the tip of your tongue which goes numb...good party trick I guess if you're feeling that way! But saying that, pepperberries are a great substitute for the normal, and much loved, black peppercorns. What's not to like?Are Pepperberries good for you?
Yes, they have some outstanding health benefits.
Pepperberries are rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect cells from free radicals which can contribute various diseases. Pepperberries could help to prevent onset of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers. They could also help with anti-inflammatory conditions. Pepperberries have proven antimicrobial activity. This can help fight harmful bacteria and infection.Polygodial is the main flavor component and has been shown to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
They contain Vitamin E, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Lutein ( good for eye health), and Zinc.Traditionally pepperberries were used to help with digestionInterestingly Pepperberries can enhance collagen production. Collagen is such a big buzz work at the moment with many people taking extra collegan in tablet and drink form to improve skin health and stop "age-defying" conditions. These little berries can help to increase hydration for anyone aiming for a clear, healthy skin.For more interesting reading on Australian Native Pepperberries go to the Agrifutures reportFor something a little different, but totally delicious, try Roasted wattleseed and Pepperberry Chai MochaFor tea drinkers our Roasted Wattleseed and Pepperberry Chai TeaTea comes in pyramid shaped tea bags and with 100% sustainable packaging, it makes a great gift idea or a treat for yourself. -
Wattleseed when it's roasted and milled has a beautiful nutty, chocolate, coffee flavour and aroma. Originally we used to use Acacia victoriae, now many more are being roasted for culinary use and their flavours are every bit as nice as Acacia vic. Wattleseed has fast become one of the most popular of the Australian native herbs, when you try for yourself you'll understand why.
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It makes a great gift for those who love cooking and trying out new flavours, its quite exciting really to discover something that's been around for many many years and is now making its way into restaurant kitchens throughout Australia. As a garden plant it's very hardy with beautiful purple/mauve flowers and a real bird and bee pleaser in the Spring.
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Lemon Myrtle leaves dried & milled
showing are fresh leaves & flowers before the leaves are processed -
Is Peppermint Gum food for you?
The leaves of the Peppermint Gum have been prized for its strong flavour and aroma for centuries.
From the original inhabitants of Australia to present day it's known for it's ability to aid digestion, help to reduce nausea, can potentially relieve headaches as well as a breath freshener. It can also be used topically to soothe skin irritations and help with muscle aches. This bushfood herb is a great bush medicine for coughs and colds, just put some in hot water and enhale the fumes.Peppermint Gum is a robust herb, both fresh and dried, and packs a punch.
These dried and milled leaves can be used to flavour any dish that requires a peppermint edge. This bush botanical is now used by many Australian chefs as well as in the distilling industry to give a distinctly Australian flavoured drink. -
Australian native Strawberry Gum is used by both culinary and distilling companies
Loved for its distinct fruity berry-eucalypt spicy flavour and aroma
The beautiful leaf of the Strawberry Gum, Eucalyptus olida, can be used both fresh and dried. Jams, desserts, baked goods as well as in teas, its a delicious native herb to get to know.Just after the 2nd World War it was used to create cordials. Its unique flavour was a component in perfumes and household disinfectants.Cooking, especially in creamy desserts this Australian native herb really shines, try making a Panna Cotta and adding some Strawberry Gum, its a real crowd pleaser. Don't use too much, as with most Australian natives they are strong. Get to know the flavour you want and let it work its magic.I've often used it in cooking vegetables like sweet potatoes in foil. Just chop up the sweet potatoes, lay on foil, a light cover of olive oil, some salt and ground pepperberry, then a little strawberry gum, cook in oven and serve.Strawberry Gum Tea
Cheese cakes, jams or teas or even add to your pot pourri, this fragrant bush leaf, once used, will always be a popular in your pantry.Is Strawberry healthy for you?
The leaves have a high concentration of essential oils, they are a great antioxidant and have anti fungal and antibiotic properties. -
Australian's native Superfood, black wattleseed. Wattleseed straight from the pod. Wattle seed has a nutty,chocolate flavour when roasted and ground, while we sell it roasted and ground I've now got many customer who want to try and roast and grind to their own specifications. There are many different species of Wattleseed growing throughout Australia, most are edible, but remember some are not, so if you're not sure get some expert advice to find out if it's edible or not. For wattleseed recipe ideas http://bushbbq.com.au/recipes/ This particular species of wattle seed is Acacia accuminata and it's from Western Australia.
