Despite the marauding wildlife and a long dry spell, the edible native garden situated in the walk up from South Elvina Wharf continues to flourish.
Although it’s early days yet, a couple of the plants are mature enough to be harvested and one of the initiators of the community garden project, Lisa Atkins, has given us some information on how to use them as well as sharing a couple of recipes.
WHATS IN THE GARDEN
by Lisa Atkins
Lisa Atkins
The native food community garden is growing well. There are some plants that will take a few years before they fruit and are ready for harvest. In the meantime, here are a couple that are ready to be used, along with some ideas on how to use them.
NATIVE MINT (Prostantlera maisa)
Source of Vitamin C + A, iron, manganese.
Native Mint (Prostantlera maisa)
Uses:
- Infuse in extra virgin olive oil. Use oil on salads and when cooking.
- A small sprig, slightly crushed goes well in a gin and tonic.
Recipe for Roasted Eggplant
Cut eggplant into wedges, toss in olive oil, native mint leaves, salt and crushed pepperberries or ground pepper.
Bake at 200C for 30 – 35 minutes or until browned.
Recipe for Salsa Verde (makes 1 cup)
Into food processor place 75g mixed herbs (parsley, dill, native mint), 2 small cloves garlic, one third cup chopped cucumber pickles, 2 tbspns pickle juice, 2 tbspns lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon or lime Pulse until rough chopped, taste and balance flabours. Add one third cup olive oil and process to combine.
SALTBUSH (Atriplex Nummalaria)
Antioxidant and source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium.
Saltbush (Atriplex Nummalaria)
Uses:
- Dried saltbush is a wonderful addition to scones and breads
- Use leaves sliced in salads
- As a bed for roasting lamb
Editor’s note:
Lisa also shared her famous lemon myrtle cordial recipe which is perfect as a mixer or just as a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. If you add a dab of plum jam (preferably Davidson Plum) it will take on a delicate pink colour which looks fabulous on the table at Xmas.
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
10 lemon myrtle leaves
Put ingredients into a pot and bring to boil. Allow to cool down.
Mix to taste in sparkling soda or mineral water.
NOTE: There is a large lemon myrtle tree growing near the Edible Native garden and although it’s on Pru and Jon’s property, they are happy for you to help yourself to the foliage.
Lemon Myrtle Tree
