There are three main Australian spices that we will tell you about here. Wattleseed, Tasmanian Pepperberry, Lemon Myrtle, and Saltbush.
At the bottom of the page I will give you some links where you can find these spices.
Wattleseed
Wattleseed is an edible seed derived from various species of the Acacia tree, commonly known as wattle, native to Australia. It has been a staple food for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years and is now gaining popularity as a versatile and nutritious food ingredient.
Here’s a more detailed look at wattleseed
Origin and Uses
Wattleseed, from the Acacia tree, has been a cornerstone of Aboriginal diets for millennia. Traditionally, the seeds were roasted and ground into flour to create a type of bush bread called damper. (I’m actually going to try to make this bread as well.)
Nutritional Benefits
Wattleseed is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. It also contains high levels of potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Flavor Profile
When roasted and ground, wattleseed has a distinctive flavor, often described as a mix of coffee, chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel.
Versatile Culinary Uses
Wattleseed can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding depth of flavor and nutritional value. It’s used in baking, as a coffee substitute, and even as a seasoning for meat.
Commercial Production and Availability
Wattleseed is now commercially grown and available, with growers facing rising demand. It can be purchased online, in health food stores, and from specialty food shops.
Other Benefits
Some research suggests that wattleseed may have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. It also has a low glycemic index, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Australian Pepperberry
Pepperberry, also known as Mountain Pepper or Tasmanian Pepperberry, is an evergreen shrub often used as a culinary spice. It is used in Aboriginal cuisine as a food flavoring and in traditional medicine as a treatment for skin disorders, venereal diseases, colic, and stomach aches.
Mountain Pepper Berries are characterized by their polygodial content, which is responsible for their strong peppery taste. Eaten fresh, the flavor is sweet, fruity and pungent, with an intense peppery bite, that builds and lingers on the back palate.
What is a substitute for pepperberries?
Although pepperberries don’t taste like regular pepper, they are a great substitute – a woody flavor with hints of cinnamon. For those who don’t have access to Tasmanian Pepperberry, simply use cracked black pepper instead.
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle is one of Australia’s most cherished native plants, renowned for its intense lemon aroma and powerful natural properties. It grows naturally in the subtropical rainforests of Queensland but is now cultivated more widely due to its popularity in cooking, cosmetics, and herbal medicine.
What Is Lemon Myrtle?
Lemon myrtle is an evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 60 feet tall in the wild, though it’s often pruned for easier harvesting. Its glossy green leaves are the real star—they contain the highest concentration of citral (a lemon-scented compound) of any known plant, giving it a sharper and cleaner lemon scent than even lemon fruit or lemongrass.
Culinary Uses
Lemon myrtle leaves can be used fresh or dried and ground into powder. They add a bright, citrusy punch to:
- Marinades for meat or seafood (including jerky!)
- Baked goods and desserts
- Herbal teas
- Sauces, dressings, and spice blends
Because it’s more stable than actual lemon oil, lemon myrtle is especially prized in cooking where heat is involved.
Fun Fact: Lemon myrtle is sometimes called the “Queen of the Lemon Herbs” because of its vibrant citrus flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Saltbush
What does saltbush taste like in Australia?
It has a soft, salty flavor – slightly earthy – and can be used as a direct substitute for salt as a seasoning or condiment. Saltbush adds a wonderful flavor to fish, meat and vegetable dishes.
There are about 61 different species of Saltbush growing across Australia.
Can humans eat saltbush?
Saltbush berries are not only non-toxic, but they’re a traditional snack, enjoyed for their salty-sweet kick. The leaves, while high in oxalates, are fine to eat in moderation or when cooked.
You can fry the leaves for a crunchy snack, use it as a rub or add the leaves to your roast fish or meats. It works particularly well with game meats. Also for barbecued meats and briskets. You can even use it fresh and make sauces out of it.
Here in the USA you will also find Saltbush is native to Florida. It’s also known as groundsel or sea myrtle.
Saltbush usually blooms in the fall and thrives in a variety of habitats, including coastal uplands, sand dunes, pond edges, ditches, and other disturbed areas. Its plentiful nectar draws in many pollinators—monarch butterflies in particular. While birds and other wildlife enjoy its seeds, they’re not safe for human consumption, as they can be toxic.
There you have it. Some new and interesting Australian spices to try out. Now lets see where you can buy these delicacies.
Where to Buy Australian Spices & Kangaroo Meat in the USA.
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” No commission on the Saltbush Seasoning or kangaroo meat is earned.
Wattleseed
The Australian Superfood This is a native spice that is ground and roasted ready to use to make your favorite recipes. It can be used for kangaroo, other game meats, and other recipes.
Tasmanian Pepperberry
Two choices here. The berries or the leaf. The berries is what the jerky recipes call for.
The berries and leaf are also used to assist in the slow absorption of glucose from the stomach, allowing stabilization of blood sugar levels.
Whole Mountain Pepperberry This is the pepper berries.
Interesting Fact: The berry contains the compound polygodial, which can be used for issues such as arthritis, asthma and assisting in healing gut irritability. The polygodial properties protect the stomach lining from pathogens, diseases.
Ground Mountain Pepper Leaf It can be used for cooking, salad dressing, meats and vegetables, and hummus.
Lemon Myrtle
Ground Lemon Myrtle From The Australian Super Food Company.
Organic Lemon Myrtle Leaves from Valley of Tea – this is loose tea leaves, but it is listed as an herb and spice. The tea comes from Belgium.
Saltbush Seasoning
These both are Australian companies. I haven’t checked out the shipping process yet.
Saltbush A Taste of Australia’s Outback Immerse yourself in the unique flavor of Saltbush, a native Australian herb that brings a taste of the Outback to your culinary creations.
Foote Side Farm Salt Bush 50 grams Footeside Farm Salt Bush leaves are picked fresh, dehydrated to capture the salty herb flavor and ground ready for you to use.
If you happen to live in or visit Florida, you may be able to harvest some saltbush leaves there. There are different varieties so just do a search on the internet to see the what the bushes look like.
Kangaroo Meat
Black Wing Quality Meats in Antioch, IL Kangaroo Meat
Fossil Farms in Boonton, NJ Kangaroo Meat
Buy ready made kangaroo jerky here.
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” It’s through these affiliate links and ads that I am able to make the information on the site free.
Original Kangaroo from Jerky.com
Newport Jerky Company Kangaroo Jerky Original
More Links You Might Like
Kangaroo Jerky – History and benefits of Kangaroo jerky in Australia and a recipe
Kangaroo Jerky Recipes – A variety of flavors to make your kangaroo jerky. Let us know your favorite.
Dehydrating Meat for Jerky – Learn the basics of dehydrating meat to make jerky.
Ask About Jerky – you can ask any question, comment on anything on this site, make a suggestion for more information regarding homemade jerky, or share you favorite recipe or method of jerky making.