Bush Seasonings

River Mint (Mentha australis) is a small perennial herb with scented leaves and small white or lilac flowers. Used in the same way as introduced, cultivated mints, River Mint, as its name suggests, is found along rivers and near waterways across much of eastern Australia. It has a flavour similar to spearmint and also possesses antiseptic properties.

Mountain Pepper is dioecious, in that male and female flowers are borne on different plants, with only the female plants carrying fruit (pepper berries). The berries start off dark red and turn black upon ripening, which occurs in autumn to early winter. Pepper berries are often dried and then crumbled or ground for use as a spice in both sweet and savoury dishes. Upon tasting, the berries transform from sweet to very hot (hotter than conventional peppercorns). Mountain Pepper essential oil contains high levels of antioxidants and has antibacterial qualities.

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a shrub or small tree that occurs naturally in the wetter coastal areas of southern Queensland. It can grow up to 20 metres high, with pinkish stems that bear soft, glossy green leaves. The clusters of cream-coloured, feathery flowers occur in autumn. Used fresh, the Lemon Myrtle leaf has a strong and refreshing citrus flavour. The leaves are said to contain the highest amount of the chemical compound citral of any plant.