Australian Native Ingredients - A glossary of the different ingredients available. Discussing their provenance, cooking with them & the health benefits that these plants have.

Provenance and the Plant   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 which is a blend of lemon, lemongrass and lemon verbena. Its a joy...

Provenance and the Plant We respect the knowledge that our Aboriginal supply partners have taught us about wattleseed. Wattleseed is intimately and immediately identified as Australian. Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) also knon as karrank to the Gunditjmara people of south western Victoria and is widespread in the south-eastern states, is Australia's floral emblem. Wattleseed is one of the most prolific plants in Australia and grows in almost all environments from the desert ( mulga and elegant wattle) to the sea (coastal wattle) and everywhere in between. Wattles vary in flavour and colour and size depending on the region but all are intensely...

Provenance and the Plant  Geraldton Wax Flower is from the Geraldton Wax species Chamelaucium Uncinatum,  and is endemic to Western Australia and is thought to only occur naturally on the coastal Quindalup dunes between Perth and Geraldton. The native shrub produces a proliferation of waxy white and pink flowers from late winter to spring and is prized for its culinary uses and as a cut flower. Our Geraldton Wax comes from Western Australia. Culinary use This lovely powder has a delicate zesty, citrus tang,  a flavour similar to a more gentle lemongrass, lemon myrtle or kaffir lime with a slight hint of pine....

Provenance and the Plant Australian Blood limes grow on a small leafed thorny tree with a slightly weeping habit that if left unpruned may reach 2.5 metres. However they may be grown in row crops forming dense but manageable large hedges, making harvesting and maintenance much easier. The Australian Blood Lime (also known as Red Centre Lime) is much smaller than most limes, approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) long by 2 cm (0.79 in) diameter, and somewhat more sweet than the standard - almost a sweet and sour flavour. It is egg-shaped and the flesh inside a blood lime is composed of red-orange vesicles (the membranes that hold...