What is Lemon Myrtle used for?
Native Indigenous Australians often wrapped Lemon Myrtle leaves in paperbark and used it to add flavour to fish and various other meals. They would also crush and inhale the herb as a natural remedy for treating health issues such as headaches, muscle pain, wounds and stress. As a culinary ingredient, lemon myrtle is sold in various forms, all of which can be used in cooking. Often sold as lemon myrtle tea leaves, as an essential oil, or in its most basic ground form, lemon myrtle is a highly versatile ingredient that has had roots in traditional Australian cooking for centuries.For generations, Australian Indigenous communities have harnessed the powers of Lemon Myrtle to combat inflammation, ward off infections, and address liver ailments. The addition of the robust ginger root not only adds warmth to this tea but also elevates its health benefits.Eating. As a bushfood, the most common use of the Lemon Myrtle is for cooking in both savoury and sweet dishes. It can be used to infuse fish, lamb and other meats, as a flavouring in vegetable dishes in the same way you would use bay leaves, drunk as a tea or, when finely chopped, to flavour icecream or yoghurt.Lemon Myrtle is far more uplifting and pleasant than traditional Lemongrass (Cymbogon citratus). It also contains around 95% Citral compared to only 70% in Lemongrass. Both oils are helpful for rest and relaxation; both encourage peacefulness.
Does Lemon Myrtle taste like lemon?
Lemon myrtle can be described as intensely lemony, with a vibrant citrus taste that’s reminiscent of lemon zest or lemon sherbet. It’s bright, tangy, and aromatic, with a hint of eucalyptus. Lemon myrtle can be used in baking to add a unique lemon flavour to cakes, biscuits, and other baked items. It’s particularly useful in recipes that involve cream or dairy, because its low levels of acidity (when compared to using lemons) mean there’s no risk of curdling.Not only does Lemon Myrtle contain citral, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties, but it can also aid digestion, boost the immune system, and improve respiratory health.Bring water to a gentle boil. Add the fresh lemon myrtle leaves to a teapot and pour the hot water. Let steep for 5 minutes then remove the leaves. Pour tea into cups, add lemon slices and serve.The leaves, flowers and seeds are all usable in the cook’s kitchen, in fresh, dried, whole, shredded, crush or ground form. If you are lucky enough to have a fresh Lemon Myrtle available, you will need to cut them very finely (what is known as a chiffonade in chef speak) as they are quite fibrous.Its antioxidant capacity is higher than the blueberry, which is renowned worldwide as the ‘health-promoting fruit’. Lemon myrtle is an excellent source of folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and essential minerals including zinc and magnesium. These nutrients are required for the synthesis and self-repair of DNA.
How to consume lemon myrtle?
You can use lemon myrtle leaves for any dish where you normally use bay leaves or lemon grass. This simple swap will make your curries sweet and savoury at the same time. It is very easy to make lemon myrtle tea by using its leaves. Add ground or whole leaves to a pot of boiling water and allow it to steep for a while. Lemon Myrtle is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of the Lemon Herbs”. It boasts an intensely citrus fragrance and flavour, and has long been used in Aboriginal cuisine and medicine. In the wild, you’ll find it in the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland.Lemon Myrtle, native to Australia, is renowned for its citrus-scented leaves, while the Crape Myrtle is loved for its vibrant, long-lasting summer blooms.Its leaves, rich in essential oils, are the key ingredient for lemon myrtle tea, which boasts a uniquely refreshing citrus flavour that has captured the palates of tea drinkers worldwide. Today, the popularity of lemon myrtle tea is on the rise, thanks to its delightful taste and impressive health benefits.Lemon Myrtle is an Australian bush spice; it stands out for its soft refreshing lemony flavour and aroma. The flavour and aroma is often described as blend of lemongrass lime and lemon. This caffeine free herbal tisane is great for general wellbeing.Lemon myrtle, kaffir lime leaf and lemon verbena have really similar flavour profiles,’ says Fielke.
How did Aboriginals use Lemon Myrtle?
In Aboriginal cuisine, Lemon Myrtle leaves were added to fish wrapped in paperbark to add a delectable citrus flavour and aroma to the meat. The Australian Aborigines have been using lemon myrtle in cooking, tea and as a remedy for cuts and abrasions for thousands of years. It is only relatively recently the medical world has shifted attention to find out more about traditional plant derived medicines particularly the effect on microbial diseases.It is often used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and invigorating scent. Furthermore, in skincare products for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Another factor contributing to the global appeal of lemon myrtle is its sustainability.In skincare, lemon myrtle is a cleansing essential oil, and is safe for skin that may be prone to oily breakouts. It is similar to tea tree in many ways, although much stronger so do not use neat on the skin. Lemon myrtle is steam distilled from the leaves of the lemon myrtle plant.Lemon myrtle has been traditionally used by indigenous Australians for cooking and healing. More recently, lemon myrtle leaves are used as a dry or fresh herb in food applications and the essential oil (EO) used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Can you put lemon myrtle directly on skin?
To use lemon myrtle oil safely on the skin, make sure to add it to a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, usually 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. Does Lemon Myrtle Have Negative Side Effects? No significant side effects from drinking lemon myrtle tea have been noted. However, the essential oil has high amounts of citrine and should be diluted before applying to the skin.Not just a perfect cooking addition, the leaves are also the purest source of natural citral (90–98%), making Lemon Myrtle a powerful essential oil, thus a powerful medicine.A potent antioxidant that assists with skin brightening to help minimise the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, Lemon Myrtle can also help with fortifying the skins barrier protection and refreshes and uplifts with an invigorating natural lemony scent.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and ground Lemon Myrtle. Season to taste with either regular salt and pepper or go native with Saltbush and Pepperberry. Whisk well until the mixture blends evenly. Taste and adjust as needed—add more Lemon Myrtle or native seasoning to boost the flavour.
Do lemon myrtles like sun or shade?
Lemon myrtle prefers a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Lemon Myrtle boasts natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This means it can help chuck out a variety of nasties that can harm your plants, like mildew, fungus gnats, and even some bacterial diseases.Lemon Myrtle can provide natural relief for a sore throat, thanks to its exceptional healing properties. This Australian native botanical, cherished for centuries, offers a holistic and aromatic approach to soothing discomfort and promoting overall well-being.The high levels of citral found in lemon myrtle help support the immune system, particularly during the colder months when cold and flu season is present. A study done by the NIH found that this essential oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help those improve their immune systems.Lemon myrtle has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce infection. Oral Health.
Is lemon myrtle good for kidneys?
Native Lemon Myrtle Lemon Myrtle is a native Australian bush food that is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. Lemon Myrtle has a high content of citral that can support healthy weight loss and detoxing by flushing out the kidneys and liver. Not only does Lemon Myrtle contain citral, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties, but it can also aid digestion, boost the immune system, and improve respiratory health.It is used to enhance flavour in drinks, meals and desserts, is a natural cleaner and stain remover, and can treat high blood pressure, the common cold, and irregular menstruation. Lemon myrtle has similar uses, first being used by Indigenous Australians in cooking, tea and medicinal remedies.Lemon myrtle can be enjoyed as a refreshing and nutritious herbal tea. Lemon myrtle tea has more antioxidants than many other herbal teas. Antioxidants are important for our general health as they help protect our body’s cells from free radical damage that can cause aging and chronic diseases.Lemon myrtle is exceptionally rich in calcium and high in antioxidants, lutein, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium. Scientists believe these minerals are required for synthesis and self-repair of human DNA.Lemon Myrtle is far more uplifting and pleasant than traditional Lemongrass (Cymbogon citratus). It also contains around 95% Citral compared to only 70% in Lemongrass. Both oils are helpful for rest and relaxation; both encourage peacefulness.