Melbourne Bushfoods

Melbourne Bushfood focuses on Australia's ancient native ingredients that have nourished people for centuries. 

Hayden learned that these native plants offered exceptional nutrition and culinary experiences, far superior to modern foods. Realizing the importance of bushfood, he was determined to make a change.

However, he discovered that the native food industry had its problems, with low-quality products and a lack of genuine native ingredients. Hayden decided to collaborate instead of competing, forming partnerships with Aboriginal Enterprises, Wild Harvesters, and Small Farmers who shared his passion for ethical sourcing.

Together, they created Melbourne Bushfood, an enterprise dedicated to giving back to the producers and communities. Today, we continue this journey, sourcing the finest native ingredients to enrich your kitchen and support a sustainable, ethical food industry. 

From Melbourne Bushfoods we get the most amazing:

Roasted Wattle seed

A native botanical that contains a unique aromatic of hazelnut, chocolate, and coffee, this mouth-watering spice is beneficial to your health and your taste buds. 

 

Old Man's Saltbush // Atriplex nummularia

Old Man's Saltbush is one of over 100 species of Saltbush native to Australia. Found in the arid interior regions, Old Man's Saltbush is famed for its salty, umami flavour and incredible drought-tolerant properties as a feed for livestock like lamb.

Saltbush has up to 20% less sodium than regular salt and has an abundant amount of anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals and detoxify your body. Additionally, it is also a beneficial source of calcium, and is high in many different essential minerals helping to boost general well-being.

Pepper leaf 

Pepper leaf is a delicious meat rub or the ideal hot spice for roasted vegetables for its warm, spicy aroma similar to basil and nutmeg, with a slightly herbal flavour. Indigenous to the temperate rainforests of southern Australia, it can be found in many national parks, although it is most commonly cultivated in Tasmania. 

Sprinkle over southern-style chicken, spicy curries, vegan stews, lentils, and meatballs - we use it as a native chilli flake replacement!

Lemon Myrtle

Organic Lemon Myrtle is a Bushfood that has been utilised as both a cooking ingredient and a medicinal plant, for thousands of years by Indigenous Australians. This dried Organic Lemon Myrtle leaf is a free-flowing herb that can be used as a substitute for lemon, lime or lemongrass. Grown in the subtropical region of Northern NSW, the crushed leaves have a strong “lemon” aroma and impart a deep lemon/lime flavour