Lemon Myrtle
Plant DescriptionBotanical Name: Backhousia citriodoraLemon Myrtle is a bushy Queensland rainforest tree to about 8m, having dark green lemon-scented leaves to 100 mm long. It flowers prolifically with large bunches of small white flowers on the ends of the branches. It is a common garden plant in Brisbane, and about a million have been planted commercially for their lemon oil content. The essential ingredient is Citral, which accounts for over 90% of the plants essential oil, compared to about 3% in lemon oil. The oil is extracted by steam distillation. UsageThis is an important plant in the Bush Food industry. The leaves are used fresh or dried & ground and have a lemon & lime oil flavour. They can be used with baked fish, to make a lemon tea, breads and cheesecakes etc., chicken and rice dishes, and sauces. The seeds can also be used.The oil is also used to make lemon-scented soap and even chocolates. Related PlantsAniseed Myrtle - Backhousia anisata - is a source of aniseed oil. The leaves of Backhousia myrtifolia are also flavoursome. RecipesBACKHOUSIA CITRIODORA RECIPESIn summer I drink either water or lemon myrtle drink: 4 large lemon myrtle leaves Pour over boiling water. Let cool for at least an hour until liquid is the colour of tea. Add to a 2 litre bottle of cold water for a refreshing drink. You can keep adding cold water to the leaves for several days and drinking the resulting drink each day. 1/2 leaf Add a roughly shredded leaf to cook rice to accompany a curry. |
Lemon Myrtle leaves and flowers. More InformationToona Essential Oils LemonMyrtle.Com.au
 
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