Provenance
Lemon Myrtle
If we had to chose a tree that encompasses all the advantages of planting, growing, harvesting, cooking and enjoying native foods it would have to be the Lemon Myrtle.
A magnificent subtropical rainforest plant in its own right, is also a beautiful specimen tree- bushy with low branches that have long tapering, deep green leaves and small bunches of clusters of tiny white, fluffy flowers in late summer and autumn. However, the most marvellous feature of this tree is its superb fragrance ( and taste!) which is a blend of lemon, lemongrass and lemon verbena. Its a joy to have in the garden and just brushing past the tree will release its scent, and it's especially fragrant after rain. In it's native subtropical habitat it can grow up to 20 metres but is a smaller tree the cooler the environment becomes, usually topping out at about 6 metres.
The leaf contains the active essential oils of up to 98% citral, containing: geranial, neral, cis citral. Lemon Myrtle has the highest citral content of known plants - for example in comparison to Lemongrass (30-70% Citrals), Lemon Verbena (40 %), Lemon Balm (70%). Citral has been shown to be anti-microbial, particularly anti fungal, anti-viral and has sedative qualities.
Lemon Myrtle as a herb has therefore a complex blend of primarily citric flavours with a spicy, highly aromatic lemongrass accent and is suitable for just about any dish, especially those with Asian inspired flavours.
Lemon Aspen
We respect and thank our Aboriginal supply partners for imparting their incredible knowledge to us about this amazing plant.
Many of the Indigenous fruits bear unlikely names given to them by European settlers who struggled to come to terms with their environment by calling the new (to them) fruits and trees by old familiar names. The Lemon Aspen is not an aspen at all, but probably reminded someone of the American aspens. It is actually an Australian rainforest tree that's closest relative is a similar species in India. The Lemon Aspen bears clusters of delicious fruit and is one of a number of Acronychia distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical north eastern coastal rainforest regions that have edible fruit. It grows from the lower sub-tropical latitudes of NSW all the way to far North Queensland's Atherton Tablelands and into the Cape country.
The Lemon Aspen is a medium-to-tall tree and has dark-green , oval shaped leaves and masses of creamy-yellow flowers.
Lemon Aspen has an amazing flavour. Your first reaction, when tasting this lovely fruit, is surprise at the strength and the tartness of the fruit - it is extraordinarily sharp lemon, citrus in flavour, but there are other subtle, special aftertastes that demand attention - complex secondary flavours of eucalyptus and honey creep in and surprise the palate.
All The Lemons!
If everything made with the gorgeous citrus flavour of lemon is your favourite thing then you will just love this selection of Australian native lemon flavoured goodies. Did you know you can make a native food version of these lemon delights - lemon meringue pie, lemon curd, lemon butter, lemon cake, lemon cheesecake, lemon beurre blanc, lemon and asparagus? And so many more! Our recipe blog is there to provide practical recipes that you can make successfully at home. Just scroll down the Recipe Blog landing page and there is a list of products on the right hand side. Just click on a product and all the recipes we have for that product will pop up.
This exciting selection includes:
- Pure Lemon Myrtle Native Herb 30g
- Pure Lemon Aspen Superfruit Powder
- Lemon Myrtle Coconut & Chilli Sauce
- Beetroot and Lemon Myrtle Chutney
- Lemon Myrtle Coconut & Chilli Nut Free Dukkah
This would make a lovely foodie gift and don't forget to treat yourself!
