Image from Melbourne Bushfood The Kurrajong is a large deciduous tree growing to heights of over 30 metres if planted into the ground. Vibrant red flowers coat the tree giving the impression the plant is covered by a beautiful red flame. It has been an important food source of Aboriginal Australians, with the seed pods and the young roots becoming and important protein and carbohydrate source. Origin The Kurrajong (Brachychiton acerifolius) or the Flame Bottletree comes from the subtropical and tropical eastern coastline of Australia. Yet, despite being from such warm conditions, the Kurrajong thrives in cooler climates and is often planted by councils in large open parks. The seeds pods, roots, and tubers of young plants were all consumed...
Image from smallgreenthings.com.au Midyim Berry is one of the most delicious bushfoods you can grow. Small, purple-dotted berries coat the small shrub in late summer to early autumn. It's a dense plant that has a romantic look in terracotta pots or in hanging baskets. Origin Midyim Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) has become a common plant in nurseries across Australia not for its fruit, but for the beautiful copper bronzed leaf tips and wild-look which gives gardens an almost romantic looks. Originating from northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland, it's subtropical origin doesn't stop it growing in cooler climates. They have been actively planted across frosty regions in Melbourne, and have long been used by Aboriginal Australians as a food source. ...
Saltbush comes from all across the world with over 250 different plants identified. Not all are palatable, grow well or are edible. In Australia, it's quickly become one of the most wide-spread plants at outback cattle grazing stations as it thrives even in drought conditions and is delicious fodder for the animals. Origin The saltbush found in sachets in boutique retailers come from the Old Man's Saltbush (atriplex nummularia) as its salty flavour and low bitterness gives it a overall delicious touch in dishes. We supply also another species called Coastal Saltbush (Atriplex cinerea), which has a less bitter leaves when eaten fresh, and like its cousin, grows in a variety of soil types and climates. Saltbush leaves did not...
Strawberry Gum, or Eucalyptus olida is one of the newest identified eucalyptus species found in only a small pocket of Australia. The unique flavour comes from the oil-dense leaves which taste fruity, basil-like, and unlike anything you've tried before. It's one of our favourites, and a very rare plant to come by. Origin Strawberry Gum was indentified as a new species in the early 1990s, and has since grown in popularity as a native ingredient favoured in food manufacturing and distillation. It's rarity has made it very sought after with only a handful of people growing and harvesting them (all by hand). It was first discovered in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales in a national park. Apart...
The Murnong or Yam Daisy is a species of tuberous plants that were once spread across south-eastern Australia. One could not go a few yards without seeing one, with the large, potato-like tuber becoming the key food in many Aboriginal People's diets prior to colonization. The History Murnong plants were consumed in large quantities by Aboriginal Australians prior to the British colonization of the continent, with the murnong playing a significant role in feeding communities across many parts of the country. The history we have of the plant comes from written accounts from European explorers and colonizers. In 1841, George Augustus Robinson said: "Today the native women were spread out over the plain as far as I could see them,...
