Lemon myrtle

Backhousia citriodora

herb · spice

Dried leaves with a lemon scent stronger than lemon itself, for teas, desserts and fish.

Origin

Queensland (Australia)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

One leaf flavors a teapot or a syrup and is removed; ground, it is used by the pinch, at the end of cooking, as heat dulls it. Its scent is volatile: at the end of cooking, not the start.

Molecules

CitralIn small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its essential oil contains over 90% citral, a record in the plant world.