5 Ways to add a bit of zing to your cooking with lemon myrtle

If you’re looking to add a bit of zing to your cooking, then lemon myrtle is the herb for you! This potent herb can be used in a variety of dishes, from curries to cakes. Here are some tips for using lemon myrtle in your kitchen. Enjoy!

What is lemon myrtle?

Lemon myrtle is a unique flavour profile that you won’t find anywhere else. Not only does this citrusy plant bring some welcome flair to your favourite dishes, but it also has an extensive list of health benefits. Indigenous Australians have used Lemon Myrtle for a range of ailments for thousands of years and recent studies have proven its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Health benefits of lemon myrtle

The health benefits of lemon myrtle can be enjoyed by simply using it in day-to-day cooking.

health benefits of using lemon myrtle, including boosting the immune system, reducing stress and anxiety, fighting infections, improving skin health, aiding digestion, relieving respiratory issues, improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and promoting oral health.

Lemon myrtle presents a strong and sweet citrus flavour with a menthol perfume that is cooling and refreshing. Chef Tom Walton, whose lemon myrtle recipes range from syrup cakes to beef pho, says the flavour of lemon myrtle lends itself to an array of dishes.

How can I add lemon myrtle to a dish

“Lemon myrtle is lemony and herbaceous and offers a really delicious dimension to a dish. It adds a lemony freshness and fragrance without the acidity of lemons. It’s extremely versatile and suitable for both sweet and savoury dishes.”

Whether you start your morning with a cup of lemon myrtle tea or add ground leaves into a delicious cooked dinner or dessert; here are our tips for incorporating it into your culinary repertoire.

Lemon myrtle can either be used as a powder, dried leaf flakes or as an essential oil to add a zesty tang and citrusy aroma to your cooking. It can be used to make sauces, salad dressings, rubs, marinades, or any other dish that normally requires lemon zest or lemongrass.

Lemon myrtle in baking

Lemon myrtle is citrusy but not as sour or acidic as lemon, making it an ideal replacement for any recipe that calls for lemon zest. Its tanginess means it will cut through the flavour of dense cakes and desserts.

Lemon myrtle as a rub or marinade

Lemon myrtle is a perfect ingredient when paired with chicken. It can be used in the form of a rub, sauce or marinade. Because of the similarity to lemongrass, it works very well in many Asian dishes.

Lemon myrtle infused oil

Lemon myrtle infused oil is made by steeping dried or fresh lemon myrtle leaves in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, for several weeks. The oil absorbs the lemon myrtle’s flavor and aroma, creating a versatile ingredient for cooking.

Lemon myrtle infused oil can be used for cooking or sautéing in the same way as regular cooking oil. Its lemon flavor complements seafood, poultry, vegetables, and stir-fries. It can also be used as a finishing oil for soups, salads, or roasted vegetables. Just remember to use it in moderation, as a little goes a long way with lemon myrtle’s strong flavor.

Lemon myrtle as an oil, dressing or sauce

You can use it in salad dressings, or oils. It’s great as a tangy twist on things like fruit salads or ice cream recipes without being too strong-smelling/tasting so that you’re sure not to overpower the other flavours.