I love to use produce from my garden and Lemon Myrtle is one of my favourite trees. I don’t need any more reasons to justify its existence in a food forest but recently I read about a new use and I just have to try it!
Here’s some of the ways that I already use Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citrodora):
- To attract birds, bees and beneficial insects to my garden.
- As a feature plant and in future years as a small shade tree. The roots are not invasive and it doesn’t drop leaves.
- Substitute for bay leaves in cooking. (Lovely in a tuna bake!)
- Stuff leaves into chicken before roasting and season the skin with dried powder, salt and pepper.
- Bruise the leaves and add to drinks instead of lemon or lime wedges.
- Dry and use the powder in shortbread, cupcakes or frosting.
- Pour boiling water over the leaves to make a refreshing tea to drink hot or cold.
- Leave some bruised leaves in vanilla or natural yoghurt overnight to impart a lovely lemon flavour.
- Chew a leaf to help with cold or flu symptoms.
So, what’s new?
The new idea is using Lemon Myrtle to create an infused olive oil for fish and chicken dishes! It’s quite simple.
- Collect enough leaves to fill your bottle to about half its capacity. In my case I reused a 250ml Maple Syrup bottle and collected about half a cup (125ml) of Lemon Myrtle leaves.
- Wash the leaves thoroughly.
- Bruise the leaves to release the oil. I crushed mine in my hand and then finished the job with a mortar and pestle.
- Push the leaves into the bottle.
- Top up the bottle with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I buy an Australian brand in bulk.
- Leave it to infuse for 2 weeks or a month.
- Strain the leaves and store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Substitute for oil in fish and chicken recipes.
Stay tuned for an update when I cook with this liquid gold for the first time!
UPDATE: Delicious with Roast Chicken – YouTube clip
UPDATE: Scrumptious Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Lemon Myrtle – YouTube clip
I also plan to try infusing vinegar to make an easy lemon salad dressing!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional or a botanist. ALWAYS conduct your own research before ingesting a new plant and start small in case of allergy or food intolerance.
After experimenting with the oil in my kitchen and LOVING it I made it again. This time I vlogged it! Click here to watch
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 
Hi Jane, just wondering when do you progate Lemon Myrtle please, which month, I’m in Queensland. Thank You, love your Lemon Myrtle oil. Narelle.
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Hi Narelle, I’m glad you like the Lemon Myrtle Oil 🙂 Today I used the same method to create a Native Thyme Oil – such an easy way to get Australian natives into cooking! I’ve never had much success propagating Lemon Myrtle. Last season I only got one cutting to strike out of 15. It has a reputation for being very difficult. Now (Autumn) is the best time to take cuttings and root hormone should raise the chances of success. If you’ve managed to harvest any seeds, they are best soaked overnight before sowing and can take up to 8 weeks to germinate.
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