Lemon Myrtle – Our Signature Farm Crop
A native Australian botanical woven through our land, our food, and your experience at Wildhorse Homestead.
Grown, wild-harvested and shared from our homestead, Lemon Myrtle is more than a flavour—it’s a connection to land, tradition and slow living.
WHAT IS LEMON MYRTLE?
Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a native Australian rainforest tree found along the east coast of Queensland and NSW. Its leaves contain one of the highest natural concentrations of citral—responsible for its intense, clean lemon aroma.
Traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for food and healing, Lemon Myrtle is now celebrated globally for its versatility in cooking, wellness and natural living.
What makes this tree special to us:
- Native to Australian rainforest ecosystems
- Naturally high in citral (90–98%)
- Used for thousands of years
- Grows abundantly across our homestead
OUR FARM & HARVESTING STORY
At Wildhorse Homestead, Lemon Myrtle grows naturally throughout the gardens, along walkways, and down by the creek.
Guests are invited to:
- Walk the land
- Harvest fresh leaves
- Cook with ingredients picked just moments before
We care for our trees using:
- Chemical-free growing practices
- Minimal intervention (allowing natural resilience)
- Selective pruning to encourage regeneration
- Respectful harvesting that protects long-term growth
BENEFITS OF LEMON MYRTLE
Lemon Myrtle is valued for both its flavour and functional properties:
🌿 Antimicrobial & Antibacterial
Studies show activity against bacteria and fungi, making it useful in food, skincare and cleaning.
🌿 Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
Rich in phenolic compounds that support overall wellness and reduce inflammation.
🌿 Digestive Support
Traditionally used to calm the stomach and ease bloating.
🌿 Mood & Aromatherapy Benefits
Its uplifting citrus aroma promotes calm and clarity.
🌿 Nutrient Rich
Contains vitamins and minerals including zinc, magnesium and vitamin E.
HOW TO USE LEMON MYRTLE
FOOD
- Spice blends
- Baking & desserts
- Marinades & rubs
WELLNESS
- Bath soaks
- Herbal infusions
- Aromatherapy
HOME
- Herbal teas
- Natural cleaning
- Linen sprays
20 WAYS TO USE LEMON MYRTLE
🌿 COOKING & DRINKS
- Lemon Myrtle Tea
A calming herbal infusion used traditionally for digestion and relaxation.
→ Pair with Wildhorse Apothecary Tea Blends - Lemon Myrtle Rice
Add leaves while steaming rice for subtle citrus flavour. - Seafood Seasoning
Enhances fish with a clean, citrus lift. - Lemon Myrtle Chicken Marinade
Perfect alternative to lemon juice in marinades - Salad Dressings
Infuse oils or vinegars for bright flavour - Lemon Myrtle Butter
Blend into butter for vegetables or bread - Baking (cakes, shortbread)
Adds aromatic citrus depth (see example recipes online like shortbread variations) - Ice Cream & Sorbet
Popular in gourmet desserts - Smoothies & Tonics
Add powdered leaf for citrus complexity - Lemon Myrtle Syrup
Used in drinks, cocktails, kombucha
🌿 WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE
- Herbal Steam Inhalation
Supports respiratory comfort - Bath Soaks
Relaxing and antimicrobial - Foot Soaks
Used for soothing tired feet - Natural Skincare Infusions
Supports acne and irritation - Massage Oils
Blended for calming aromatherapy
🌿 HOME & HOMESTEAD USES
- Natural Cleaning Spray
Antimicrobial properties make it effective for cleaning - Laundry Freshener
Adds natural citrus scent - Pet Bedding Spray
Helps deodorise naturally - Insect Repellent Blends
Useful around outdoor areas - Garden Companion Planting
Supports biodiversity and pollinators