FREE FEED: Lilli Pilli
LILLI PILLI
syzygium smithii
There are over sixty species of Lilli Pilli, a native Australian species which appears along the East coast. They have been cultivated for use in the home garden for many years too and it’s not uncommon to find them in the suburbs, towns or rural properties where they are valued for their usefullness as a screening plant or hedge.
All species produce edible fruit, with a variety of flavours. We’ve had a bumper harvest from the tree in our yard and this season it’s the first time we’ve used the fruit in the kitchen. It looks like the tree in our yard is one of the most common species cultivated and planted in home gardens (syzygium smithii) with incredible mauve to pink coloured fruit. I remember having a Lilli Pilli tree in our backyard in Melbourne and watching the birds lose their minds over the fruit and having it all drop off onto the ground. I didn’t know they were edible and so nutritious so it’s been a treat to be able to discover and use free food source right outside our door.
Lilli Pilli fruit has been eaten by the First Nations Peoples of Australia for centuries and were highly valued for their medicinal properties. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants which is exactly what our bodies need for immune support at this time of year when the weather cools down.
We’ve been harvesting the berries and snacking on them fresh. We’ve also dehydrated a few jars of them for sprinkling on porridge. We’ve been making compotes and we’ve also made a few jars of jam - a delicious recipe which we’ve shared below.
It’s a labour of love removing the seed from each fruit before using, but this is exactly what ‘making a living’ is all about for us. I’ve been taking a moment to sit in the sunshine and remove the seeds whilst the kids play and it’s been such a valuable mindful activity for my mood. This connection to the land around us, connection to the seasons and connection to the bounty of food enjoyed by lineages of Australia’s First Peoples, is something that makes this fruit all the more special.
We’ve been featuring Lilli Pilli’s in some gluten free, refined sugar free cacao brownies at the SAGE Farmers market and we’ve put our Lilli Pilli jam recipe below.
I’d encourage you to go out and get harvesting from some of the trees around town in the coming weeks. This is Aussie bush tucker at it’s very best!
Lilli Pilli Jam
Makes: 400g jar
2 cups lilli pilli fruits
One apple finely diced
150g/5ozs coconut sugar
1/2 cup filtered water
Juice and zest of two large lemons
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1 - Remove the seeds from the Lilli Pilli’s. You can just break the skin and flesh with your fingers as it will be soft. Place the Lilli Pilli fruit with water, lemon juice and zest into a small heavy bottomed saucepan and leave to soak for an hour or two to allow the fruit to soften up. Add in the sugar and diced apple before placing on medium heat and bringing to a boil. Turn heat down and place on the lid to simmer for 25-30 minutes or until berries are soft.
Step 2 - Once you’re happy with the consistency, turn off the heat, stir in the vanilla before putting it hot into sterilised jars, shutting the lids and turning them upside to seal. Store in the fridge once cooled - should last six to twelve months.
* You can use refined cane sugar instead to get a sweeter and longer lasting jam but we like the flavour and health benefits of using coconut sugar.
Andy @ the Nourished Sovereign
Instagram @thenourishedsovereign
