Forget the Thyme and go for the Honey!
Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Thyme Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca thymifolia).
The small leaves that cover this variable shrub give it both parts of its common name (Thyme) and its scientific name (thymifolia or leaves that are like thyme).
The Thyme-like leaves have a medicinal value like most melaleucas. The essential oil can be used as an antiseptic with antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral properties.
It is the flowers that most interest in terms of edibility, however. They are a rich source of nectar beloved by pollinators but also used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.
Flowers can be simply sucked for a sugar hit or stirred into fresh water to make a truly Australian sweet “lemonade”.
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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