BUSH FOODS
Growing Traditional
Bush Foods Since 2014
Bowerbird Naturals might be a new business, but Petrina has been growing and producing Australian Bush Foods since 2014, sharing the produce with family & friends.
Plants and animals that have sustained Australia’s Indigenous people for tens of thousands of years are being more widely embraced, and not just for their unique, exciting flavours, but also their
nutritional value and sustainability
Some Australian native fruits contain more antioxidants, vitamins and minerals than other common nutritious foods - they have been labelled superfoods.
The exciting thing is we are growing them and you can consume them sharing in the nutritious, therapeutic goodness they contain.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OUR NATIVE BUSH FOODS
Bowerbird Naturals with Australian Bush Foods website is about promoting and providing knowledge & education so you can help to spread the word on Australia’s incredible natural native bush foods, and hopefully incorporate them into your own garden! You have probably realized by now, as you look through our website, how passionate we are about the health benefits of our native plants.
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To follow is a few paragraphs summarising a 50-page+ report on the incredible health benefits of our native foods, which Australian Aboriginals have use for thousands of years and only relatively recently it has come to light just how truly spectacular they are!
This RIRDC, The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, funded research provides the native food industry with reliable information on the levels of health beneficial constituents, and the antioxidant capacities of commercially significant native fruits, herbs and spices, the presence of potentially bioactive phytochemicals (phenolic compounds and carotenoids) and selected vitamins.
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Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to the “ageing process” and to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune and cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataractogenesis, diabetes, and macular degeneration. Lower levels of oxidative stress may reduce the probability of occurrence of these diseases at later stages in life and result in a healthier old age. Antioxidants are the compounds of our diet that reduce oxidative stress in the body. The major source of antioxidants preventing our bodies from oxidative stress is food. Therefore, the presence of antioxidants in the diet has the most conclusive role in the prevention/delaying of oxidative stress mediated diseases.
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The research also included an evaluation of minerals, focusing especially on those that protect human DNA against mutations that can lead to the development of a range of chronic diseases.
The thirteen Native species evaluated in this study exhibited superior antioxidant capacity as compared to the Blueberry standard, renowned worldwide as the ‘health-promoting fruit.’
In comparison to commonly consumed fruits that comprise predominantly hydrophilic antioxidants, native foods contained antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions.
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This suggests more comprehensive protection from oxidative stress, and possibly more pronounced health benefits.
All of the evaluated plant species were found to contain vitamin E and folate. Rich sources of lutein, a compound essential for eye health are also present, as were magnesium, zinc and calcium, all important for the synthesis and self-repair of human DNA. Additionally, sources of valuable selenium were identified.
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RIRCD - was funded from RIRDC Core Funds provided by the Australian Government and also from industry through the Australian Native Food Industry Ltd (ANFIL) and the Coles Indigenous Food Fund.
BUSH FOODS WE GROW
Below are the Australian Edible Bush Foods that we grow on our property in Hamel W.A. We use all of our producing bush foods throughout all of our amazing products.
LILLY PILLY
Called Riberry, Bush Cherry / Berry.
We have many mature varieties growing including Syzygium Australe & Syzygium Luehmanni x Wilsonii - Cascade Lilly Pilly & Syzygium oloesum - Blue Lilly Pilly. They are regarded as a superfood thanks to their nutritional value & many health benefits. Indigenous Australians regarded these nutritional packed fruits as medicine berries. They have high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium & potassium.
We provide the berries in a dehydrated & powder form. They can be added to smoothies, juices, sorbets, breakfast dishes, health/bliss balls & desserts.
FINGER LIME
Microcitrus australasica - Finger Lime is a native citrus prized for its unique caviar-like pulp it is absolutely delicious. It can be used where traditional limes are used. They are especially tasty in cocktails & mocktails and added to water & soda.
We have a number of mature trees
8 years + and have just introduced some of the beautiful red champagne limes to add to our purple & green skin varieties. We have included the finger limes in a dehydrated form (for longevity) to some Bowerbird Botanical Teas and to the Dehydrated Citrus range, for you to enjoy.
BLACKAPPLE
Pouteria australis - known as Black Apple, Yellow Buttonwood, Black Plum
It is native to the east coast and is a self pollinating tree. The edible flesh is a rich orange and red with a sweet & delicately aromatic flavour. Most interesting the tree was mostly used for its yellow patterned wood. Its fruit was enjoyed by Australian Aboriginals for thousands of years with nutritional benefits such as: high in Vit A, C, fibre, potassium & essential fatty acids. We have a number of semi mature trees that have only this season started to fruit - 8 years of waiting patiently!
GERALDTON WAX
Geraldton Wax - Chamelaucium uncinatum. The leaves are zesty with citrus notes a little bit like lemon myrtle & classed as Australia's version of kaffir lime. You use it similar to that of rosemary, taking the leaves off the stem. The flowers are edible too in very small amounts! Use the leaves with seafood - stuffing in a whole fish, with prawns, in soups and vegetable dishes. Being from the Mid-West of WA where it originates I could never be without this beautiful shrub with stunning flowers. Enjoy the unique lime taste in our Annie Botanical Tea.
SEA ROSEMARY
Olearia axillaris is also referred to as the Coastal Daisy Bush, Wild Rosemary and Sea Rosemary. It is a flavoured herb used in savoury dishes - a silver version of the common rosemary - use it wherever you would use rosemary. This is one of the first native plants to be used by Europeans. Bowerbird Naturals have included the native Sea Rosemary in a seasoning with Pink Lake Salt.
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NATIVE GARDENIA
Atractocarpus fitzalanii, or referred to as a yellow mangosteen as similar to the purple mangosteen considered a superfood. In spring it produces star shaped blooms that have a beautiful fragrance. The fruit is peach like and can be eaten raw or used in desserts & jams. Our plants are in their second year so stay tuned for future availability.
WILD MINT
Mentha diemenica - slender mint is perfect replacement for common mints. Use it fresh or dried in cocktails, mocktails, water, teas, sauces, salads, dressings. Currently growing near our pond we have included it in some of our Botanical Teas
OORAY - DAVIDSON PLUM QLD
Ooray is the local Aboriginal name for Davidsonia Pruriens they are native to North QLD and SE QLD rainforests. I am continually fascinated by its long pendulous sprays of plum coloured flowers with yellow stamens. The deep dark purple fruits contain a soft, juicy, vivid red pulp, with sharp acidity. We have a number of mature trees and it is a definite favourite in our house! Seasonally it is available as a fruit leather in our Fruity Bites range and dehydrated, blitzed pieces can be added to bliss balls, breakfast meals, savoury & sweet dishes.
ROSELLA
Hibiscus sabdariffa - The Calyx, from the rosella flower, is a major source of Vit C, pectin and citric acid and is used in making jams and jellies. The stems, leaves & flowers are also edible. Try our delicious Ethel Rose or Laurel Botanical Tea to experience the distinct flavour of the calyx with its stunning red hue. The teas can be used cold to add an extra depth of flavour to cocktails / mocktails. Or rim your margarita glass with Bowerbird Naturals pink salt & rosella. Rosellas are thriving at Bowerbird Naturals with a range of plants at differing levels of maturity.
BUNYA NUT
The Bunya Nut - Araucaria bidwillii is native to south-eastern Queensland especially the Bunya Mountains National Park. The crop itself consists of large cones up to the size of a very heavy soccer ball – 300 mm in length and 10 kg in weight. The cones contain the edible nuts (seeds) which are encased in a shell. The nut resembles a chestnut and is equally tasty, maturing in summer. Our tree is approx 10 years old and has not produced a cone - I planted it as I am fascinated by the tree - but caution is needed with an up to 10kg cone/nut free falling!
SMALL LEAF TAMARIND
Dipologlottis campbellii - used by Australian Aboriginals as a medicinal plant with high levels of vit C & for culinary use - as it can be used in both sweet & savoury dishes. The hard skin splits open when ripe and revealing the bright red flesh. The flavour is refreshingly tangy. This plant as of Oct 2022 is on the endangered plant list. We have a number of 8-year-old semi-mature trees that we are starting to harvest from. Small-leaved Tamarind - profile | NSW Environment, Energy and Science
OLD MAN SALTBUSH
Atriplex nummularia - Old Man Salt Bush traditionally was used as a food source by Indigenous Australians. The seeds were used as was the leaves which are salty in flavour & rich in protein, antioxidants & minerals. it is ideal as a seasoning, the leaves can be added to meat whist cooking, as a herb for salads or made into a sprinkle for savoury dishes.
BIGNAY
Antidesma bunius - also know as Queensland Cherry has many therapeutic & nutritional benefits contains vit A, C, E, B1, iron,minerals, potassium & phosphorus. It has been found to lower cholesterol, cardiovascular benefits & is an antioxidant. The plants at BBNs are already producing fruit, more time is needed until it will be available commercially.
BUSH MINT
Mentha satureioides - traditional uses include relief for colds and flu symptoms & as an insect repellant. Can be used in salads, sauces & a fresh or dried tisane. We are growing the mint in numerous positions & have included it in a number of our Botanical Teas
DAVIDSON PLUM SMOOTH N.S.W
Davidsonia Johnsonni is a rare and endangered species of Davidson Plum that is native to a restricted area of the Brunswick Tweed Region. Trees are cutting grown or grafted as the fruit rarely contains seeds. My Mum & I have grown and nurtured this tree for the past 8 years and we have now had the first flowering. The images I have taken of our tree, have been supplied to Daleys Fruit to use on their website of a flowering specimen - as they didn't have one, Smooth Davidsons Plum Tree - Davidsonia johnsonii (daleysfruit.com.au) I am most proud - now awaiting the fruit!
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LEMON SCENTED MYRTLE
Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Myrtle is our queen of lemon flavour we have numerous trees growing. Lemon Myrtle contains Citral the chemical component that gives lemons, lemon grass and lemon myrtle their scent. While lemon oil usually has 3-10% citral, lemon myrtle is 92% citral,
7 times that of lemongrass!
Although the citral is high the lemon favour is not overpowering and can be added to jams, salt & pepper mix, teas, sweets, salad dressings.
You will find it enhancing numerous Bowerbird Naturals Botanical Teas & Salt seasonings.
WARRIGAL GREENS
Warrigal Greens - Tetragonia tetragonioides are a delicious and healthy leafy green vegetable that can boost your diet and any dish. Warrigal greens are named because the seeds look like a puppies’ heads and Warrigal is the Wiradjuri word for dog. They are high in fibre, have Vit C, K, B6, manganese, iron & antioxidants.
To use: due to high levels of oxalic acid they need to be blanched for 1 minute then use as you would spinach, kale, bok choy & chard. It can be added to soups, stir fry or steamed. My favourite is to use as a breakfast green.
RED BACK GINGER
Alpinia caerulea "Atherton" was used traditionally by Indigenous Australians for food and crafting. This ginger plant can be used as an alternative to other ginger roots to enhance savoury dishes, desserts, jams & teas. The leaves can be used in teas which gives a flavour similar to the Japanese Green Tea. Try this ingredient in the Bowerbird Naturals' Botanical Lorna Tea. I am a bit obsessed with this plant as it is also a beautiful specimen plant. It can also be grown in a pot, ensure shade!
NATIVE LEMON GRASS
Native Lemongrass - Cymbopoyan ambiguus, traditionally used by Indigenous Australians as a remedy for treating congestion and to flavour food. The stalks and leaves can be used as a fragrant flavouring in curries, soups & sauces - as you would the common lemon grass. At Bowerbird Naturals you will find it in Helen's Botanical Tea with Sencha Green Tea & Dehydrated Pink Grapefruit.
BLUE QUANGDONG
Elaeocarpus angustifolius, also referred to as Blue Fig. Is the latest addition to Bowerbird Naturals' garden, and as promised it is very fast growing. We have planted it as a feature tree and also looking forward to the bright blue fruit in a number of years, which we shall then share with you!
Traditionally, these fruits were famed for their medicinal properties, high vit C. Fresh fruits were mixed into a paste to consume. Even early settlers used the fruit in jams, jellies & pies.
Apparently, they taste best when slightly over ripe and soft to touch.
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RIVER MINT
River mint, as the name suggests prefers a position alongside water -
we have incorporated ours into the gardens surrounding our pond. River mint can be used as a perfect substitute for common mint - add to water, cocktails, salad, teas.