If you’re after an antioxidant-rich tea without caffeine or a bitter taste before bed this winter, look no further than Australia’s very own native lemon myrtle.
Australian lemon myrtle grows along the east coast. When crushed, the lemon myrtle leaves release a strong, aromatic lemon fragrance and flavour that can be dried into loose leaf tea or distilled into an essential oil
Already a popular botanical in Australian gin, Australia’s biggest lemon myrtle grower Australian Native Products, believes lemon myrtle’s uniquely Australian flavour also makes the perfect cuppa – not only does it deliver high on taste and health benefits but because it supports the local tea industry and is kind to the environment, all in the one cup of tea.
Here’s three reasons to make the switch:
- More antioxidants than many other herbal teas
For herbal tea drinkers, the native lemon myrtle blend could be a better option than other herbal infusions thanks to its high antioxidant content.iii
“Research shows lemon myrtle tea has more antioxidants that many other herbal teas and a similar level to black tea,”iv says Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Lisa Yates.
“Antioxidants are important for our general health as they help protect our body’s cells from free radical damage that can cause aging and chronic diseases. A cup of tea is one of the easiest ways to consume a variety of antioxidants, and given lemon myrtle tea doesn’t have any caffeine, it’s the better option before bed or for those avoiding caffeine.
“Lemon myrtle also has the highest amount of citral of other lemon scented herbals.v Citral is a potent antioxidantvi that preliminary research has shown to have anti-inflammatoryvii and anti-cancerous effects, and that may play a role in reducing the development of fat cells.
There’s so much to learn about this unique compound from lemon myrtle – we at the tip of the iceberg.”
- Locally grown and native to Australia
While Australia is a nation of tea drinkers (38% of Australians consume around two small cups (400ml) of tea a day according to the ABS Australian Health Surveyviii), only around 10% of tea consumed in Australia is actually grown here.
Australian Native Products’ lemon myrtle tea is grown along the east coast of Australia at two plantations in northern NSW and Far North Queensland. It can be found in a number of popular Australian tea brands’ native blends such as Madame Flavour, Madura, Indigiearth, Tea Tonic and Nerada.
- Water friendly and mindfully grown
Lemon myrtle tea is one environmentally friendly cuppa that leaves minimal impact on our planet. Being native and naturally drought-resistant plants, they are extremely water efficient. In fact, the average annual water bill for a lemon myrtle farm is no bigger than a large household! Insects, frogs, lizards and snakes act as natural pesticides rather than nasty chemicals, and the trees naturally enrich the soil in which they grow.
How to make the perfect native cuppa
You’ll need:
- Two tsp lemon myrtle loose leaf tea or lemon myrtle tea bag
- Optional fresh lemon or a dollop of honey for an extra special cuppa
Water temperature: 80-100 degrees
Brew time: 5 minutes
Drink the tea soon after brewing for maximum lemon flavour.
