Eucalyptus - Strawberry Gum

$21.00 ($9.75-$21.00 choose a size)

The leaves have a strong aroma somewhat reminiscent of passion fruit or strawberries, used for flavouring and perfumery. Prefers full-sun conditions and well-drained soil, tolerant of low soil fertility. Natural occurs in montane woodlands near Tenterfield NSW. Medium-sized tree up to 10 metres. The tree is frost tolerant down to -8C degrees. Strawberry gum is ideal for temperate conditions but can also grow in subtropical conditions. Leaves can be harvested as required. Harvesting the leaves for culinary use and cut-foliage can done individually or by pruning branches back by 60-80 cm. Regular light pruning also maintains a shorter tree and denser canopy more suited for backyard situations. Use: The strawberry gum has several uses due to the presence of essential oils in the leaf and has been harvested commercially for flavouring and perfumery since the 1980s. Strawberry gum leaf is used to enhance the flavour of cooked fruit dishes and in deserts spiced jams and confectionary to bring-out the classic berry flavour. The leaf is used fresh or dried and as a ground spice. It can also be used in native herb teas and carbonated beverages. The main ingredient methyl cinnamate which imparts a fruity aroma and flavour and composes of up to 98% of the essential oil with ocimene being the remainder at 2%. The oil yield is very high varying from 2-6% fresh weight. When distilling a natural solvent needs to be added to the still during distillation to prevent methyl cinnamate crystals clogging the still.
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Burdekin Plum

$18.75 ($4.90-$19.75 choose a size)

This close relative of the Mango is a native tropical rainforest tree. The deep purple, fleshy, plum-like fruits need to be held for some days to soften and mellow before eating. The flavour then is reminiscent if a prune with a hint of a Davidson's Plum to finish.Early settlers (probably taught by First Australians) were known to bury them in the ground which had the effect of softening them and increasing palatability. The fruit can be eaten raw, or used in wines, jams and jellies. The Burdekin plum is exceptionally hardy and can cope with long dry periods once it is established. It does however prefer free draining soil and lots of sunshine to perform well. Trees are monoecious and will usually set on their own, however they will produce much better yields if they are plants in small clusters of 2-3 trees.
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