The true Aussie Strawberry to enjoy with cream!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Strawberry Gum (Eucalyptus olida).
This one is surprising as well as stunning. Strawberry Gums are majestic giants growing more than 30 metres (100 feet) tall. They are also rare, found in one small pocket of land in Northern New South Wales.
After its discovery by mainstream Australia in the 1990s, the leaves quickly became a sought after flavouring. They are fruity and yes, they smell like strawberries.
After harvesting the oil-rich foliage is dried and used to make tea or powdered for use as a spice. The flavour is perfect for desserts (especially cream-based) with the sugar amplifying the berry notes.
If you happen to find some fresh leaves, you could simply enjoy them the way that First Nations people did, chew and allow the sweet berry experience to fill your senses.
This post was originally published on Medium as a part of the “Australian Bush Tucker Bites” series which is also available as an eBook introducing 52 bush food plants from around Australia.
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