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 The native pepper trees or shrubs that we use for culinary purposes are from the Tasmannia  genus of the Winteraceae family. This family of plants is one of a group associated with the ancient Gondwana Supercontinent that Australia was once part of, and is now represented in various species that we call native peppers. The one that we use is Mountain Pepper or Tasmannia lanceolata. We are always blown away understanding how truly ancient our native foods are and how they have survived through the ages in pristine wilderness areas and are now grown commercially - it is amazing to...

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....