Feature Story
Move aside acai and goji berries, chia seeds and quinoa, there’s a new group of superfoods in town, and they don’t have to travel thousands of miles from the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia or the Himalayas to reach our kitchens.
Billygoat plum, lilly pilly berries and lemon myrtle leaves are among a group of Indigenous Australian bush superfoods explored in the new book Bush Tukka Guide by Samantha Martin, the ‘Bush Tukka Woman’. These foods are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins to help boost the immune system, fight against colds and flu, prevent premature aging, lower high blood pressureand improve digestive health.
Billygoat plums (also known as gubinge), are among the most powerful Australian superfoods, with one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any fruit in the world. A single billygoat plum contains a phenomenal average of 2907mg of vitamin C, compared to just 53mg in an average orange.
‘Health food companies are already beginning to capitalise on the natural benefits of the billygoat plum by processing it into capsules and powder form,’ explained the Bush Tukka Woman.
‘While only found in the tropical woodlands from north-western to eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and the east and west Kimberley regions in Western Australia, the natural health benefits of the billygoat plum are becoming increasingly sought after,’ she said.
Lilly pilly is one of the most popular plants in Australia today. It is used by thousands of Australian households for hedging, but many people are not aware of its substantial health benefits. The little red and pink pear-shaped berries that grow on the lilly pilly plant have a high concentration of antioxidents, amino acids and vitamins A, E and C, providing a powerful immune system boost.
‘Lilly pilly berries are a perfect addition to any smoothie or fruit salad. They are also fantastic in jams, chutneys, ice-creams, savoury and sweet sauces, and can be baked into muffins for a sweet, healthy treat,’ said the Bush Tukka Woman.
The leaves of the ubiquitous lemon myrtle tree have the unique claim of containing the world’s strongest and purest concentration of natural citral – the oil that gives lemon its characteristic flavour. Citral has a natural anti-viral action. The leaves of the lemon myrtle tree are also rich in lutein, folate, vitamins E and A and the essential minerals zinc, magnesium and calcium, providing significant health benefits. The leaves are becoming well known for their unique fragrance, often described as a combination of lemon, lemongrass and lime, and provide a refreshing lemon flavour in both sweet and savoury dishes, including roast chicken, casseroles and cheesecake. It can also be boiled and drunk as a tea, which can be used as an anti-inflammatory to treat swollen fingers, toes and joints.
The many bush superfoods explored by the Bush Tukka Woman in Bush Tukka Guide can be easily incorporated into a daily healthy eating plan, providing essential nutrients and vitamins to help your body stay healthy, vibrant and beautiful.