Spice & Medicinal Plants

image: Spice & Medicinal Plants

Turmeric

In the ginger family, this leafy tropical looking plant produces a spectacular flower in the summer. The Root can be harvested when the foliage dies back in the winter. Used to add a brilliant yellow colour and earthy flavour to Indian dishes.

Lemon Grass

This herb makes a delicious herbal tea, is often used in cooking, as an effective pest repellent and an almost impenetrable weed barrier. Tie the outer leaves in a loop and cook with food to impart flavour. Remove prior to serving.

Goji Berry

Native to the Himalayas where it has been used for thousands of years for its health benefiting properties. The fruit are very high in antioxidants and vitamin C, they have a sweet, juicy taste comparable to cranberries Plants prefer a sheltered sunny spot with good drainage and a trellis, wall or structure to climb up and scramble over.

Aloe Vera

The healing powers of this plant have been known throughout the civilised world for centuries. While considered by many to be a member of the cactus family it is actually a member of the lily family along with onions and asparagus.

Chilli - Yellow Cayenne

A mild chili which has a sweet taste. Yellow Cayenne chillies are ideal in Asian dishes and can be used for pickling. Chillies are long capsicum like up to 100mm changing from green to yellow then red on full maturity.

Curry Tree

Fresh leaves from this tree are an indispensable ingredient in Indian cooking. The leaves are pretty much unknown in the West because they lose most of their flavor when dried. They have a distinct, spicy curry-like flavor and odor.

Bay Tree

This handsome pyramid shaped tree makes a superb tub specimen, hedging plant or topiary sculpture due to its positive response to pruning. The leaves of the bay are used as the popular culinary seasoning used in all types of cooking.