Refreshing Lemon Myrtle Food & Beverage Ideas for Every Season

Lemon Myrtle, is a native Australian botanical, that possesses a unique citrus fragrance with subtle hints of lemon and lime. This natural treasure not only delights the taste buds but also offers a myriad of health benefits. What’s more, it’s available all year round. Today we’re sharing with you the many ways you can enjoy this culinary delight - no matter the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sparkling water or soda water

• 1/2 cup apple juice

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon agave syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• Lemon zest and a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine the sparkling water, apple juice, lemon juice, and agave syrup/honey. Stir well to mix the flavors.

2. Crush the dried Lemon Myrtle leaves slightly and add them to the mocktail. Let it infuse for a few minutes.

3. Fill another glass with ice cubes and strain the Lemon Myrtle mocktail over the ice.

4. Garnish with lemon zest and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.

5. Raise a glass and enjoy the uplifting and energizing Sparkling Lemon Myrtle Mocktail!

What about using Lemon Myrtle in cooking?

Lemon Myrtle adds a delightful twist to various culinary creations. Experiment with Lemon Myrtle-infused desserts, marinades, dressings, or even as a seasoning for fish and poultry. The possibilities are endless!

Below are Lemon Myrtle meal recipes thoughtfully curated to suit each season:

Summer Delight: Lemon Myrtle Grilled Shrimp Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and lettuce)

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Cucumber slices

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Avocado slices

• Lemon Myrtle Dressing (see recipe below)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried Lemon Myrtle leaves, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the Lemon Myrtle Dressing (see recipe below).

4. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through.

5. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and avocado slices.

6. Arrange the grilled shrimp on top of the salad.

7. Drizzle the Lemon Myrtle Dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Lemon Myrtle Grilled Shrimp Salad!

Lemon Myrtle Dressing: Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/2 teaspoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried Lemon Myrtle leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the Lemon Myrtle flavor to infuse into the mixture.

3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Autumn Indulgence: Lemon Myrtle Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried Lemon Myrtle leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.

4. Rub the chicken all over with the Lemon Myrtle marinade, ensuring it's evenly coated.

5. If desired, stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges and fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor.

6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

8. Serve the Lemon Myrtle Roast Chicken with your favorite autumn sides and enjoy the aromatic and flavorful dish!

Winter Comfort: Lemon Myrtle Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 3 lbs), peeled and diced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup coconut milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic and dried Lemon Myrtle leaves to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.

4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.

5. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.

6. Stir in the coconut milk and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve the Lemon Myrtle Pumpkin Soup hot, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped fresh chives. Delight in the comforting and nourishing flavors of this winter soup!

Spring Awakening: Lemon Myrtle Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried Lemon Myrtle leaves

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat, keeping it warm throughout the cooking process.

2. In a separate large saucepan or pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent.

4. Stir in the Arborio rice and dried Lemon Myrtle leaves, toasting them for about a minute until they become slightly fragrant.

5. If using, pour in the dry white wine and cook until it is absorbed by the rice.

6. Begin adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladleful.

7. Continue this process until the rice is cooked al dente, and the risotto has a creamy consistency (about 18-20 minutes).

8. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the risotto and cook until they are tender.

9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve the Lemon Myrtle Asparagus Risotto on warm plates, garnished with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley. Enjoy the vibrant and uplifting flavors of this spring-inspired dish!

Unlock the hidden benefits of native botanicals by indulging in the refreshing world of Lemon Myrtle. From summer coolers to winter elixirs, and warming soups to refreshing deserts, lemon myrtle caters to every season while offering a burst of invigorating flavors and healthful properties.

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