Cinnamon myrtle plant for sale

The Enchanting Cinnamon Myrtle: A Fragrant Addition to Your Garden and Kitchen

The allure of a garden extends beyond visual beauty; it encompasses the very essence of the senses. Among the many plants that can tantalize our olfactory and gustatory experiences, the Cinnamon Myrtle ( Backhousia citriodora ) stands out as a true gem. This Australian native, with its intoxicatingly sweet citrus scent and versatile culinary applications, is gaining increasing popularity among gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking to infuse your landscape with a unique fragrance and your kitchen with a delightful new flavour, then a Cinnamon Myrtle plant for sale might be exactly what you need.

Unveiling the Charm of Cinnamon Myrtle

The Cinnamon Myrtle is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. It’s a member of the Myrtaceae family, which also includes eucalyptus and tea trees, hinting at its aromatic potential. Its common name, Cinnamon Myrtle, is derived from the incredibly strong, sweet, and spicy aroma that emanates from its leaves when crushed or brushed against. This scent is often described as a perfect blend of lemon and cinnamon, a truly captivating fragrance that can transform any outdoor space into a fragrant oasis.

Beyond its scent, the Cinnamon Myrtle boasts attractive foliage. Its lance-shaped leaves are a vibrant, glossy green, and in the warmer months, it produces clusters of creamy white, star-shaped flowers that are also fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers are followed by small, woody capsules. While the flowers are lovely, it’s the leaves that hold the true magic for culinary and aromatic purposes.

Cultivating Your Own Fragrant Haven: Cinnamon Myrtle for Sale

The increasing demand for this unique plant has led to its widespread availability in nurseries and garden centres. When searching for a Cinnamon Myrtle plant for sale, you’ll typically find it offered as a young tree or shrub, often in pots of various sizes.

Choosing the Right Plant:
When selecting a plant, look for one with healthy, vibrant green leaves and no signs of pests or diseases. A well-established plant will have a sturdy trunk and a good root system. Consider the size you desire for your garden. Cinnamon Myrtles can be pruned to maintain a more compact form, making them suitable for smaller gardens or even large pots.

Growing Conditions:
Cinnamon Myrtle thrives in a range of conditions, but it prefers:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade is ideal. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. They are adaptable to various soil types, but good drainage prevents root rot.
• Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods and when the plant is young. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant.
• Temperature: They prefer warm, humid climates but can tolerate light frosts once mature. In cooler regions, they may need to be grown in pots and brought indoors during winter.
• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and can be used to shape the plant, harvest leaves, and even maintain a hedge-like appearance.

Where to Find Cinnamon Myrtle for Sale:
You can typically find Cinnamon Myrtle plants for sale at:

• Local Nurseries and Garden Centres: These are your best bet for finding healthy, locally grown plants.
• Specialty Australian Native Plant Nurseries: Nurseries focusing on native flora are likely to have a good selection.
• Online Retailers: Many reputable online plant sellers offer Cinnamon Myrtle, often shipped with care instructions.

The Culinary Delights of Cinnamon Myrtle

The true magic of the Cinnamon Myrtle lies in its leaves. When dried and ground, or used fresh, they impart a distinct and delightful flavour to a wide array of dishes. The aroma itself is a hint of what’s to come: a sweet, lemony, and subtly spicy profile that is incredibly versatile. It’s a natural flavouring that can replace both lemon and cinnamon in many recipes, offering a unique twist.

Harvesting and Preparing the Leaves:
Harvesting is simple. Just snip off young, tender leaves from your plant. For drying, spread the leaves on a screen or tray in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until they are brittle. Once dry, they can be crumbled by hand or ground into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Fresh leaves can be bruised or chopped and added directly to dishes.

Culinary Applications:
The culinary uses of Cinnamon Myrtle are extensive and exciting:

• Baking: The ground leaves are a fantastic addition to cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and bread. They provide a warm, citrusy spice that is incredibly comforting.
• Desserts: Infuse creams, custards, and ice cream with the leaves for a unique flavour. Sprinkle over fruit salads or bake into crumbles and pies.
• Savory Dishes: Don’t limit yourself to sweets! Cinnamon Myrtle pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes. It can be used in marinades for poultry, fish, and lamb, or added to rubs for grilled meats. It can also enhance the flavour of vegetables, particularly root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
• Beverages: Infuse hot or cold water with the leaves to create a refreshing herbal tea. Add a few leaves to your favourite cocktails or mocktails for an aromatic twist.
• Spice Blends: Create your own unique spice blends by combining dried Cinnamon Myrtle with other spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.

Recipes to Inspire Your Culinary Adventures with Cinnamon Myrtle

To truly appreciate the versatility of this remarkable plant, let’s explore some delicious recipes that highlight its unique flavour profile.

Cinnamon Myrtle Recipe Collection

Here are a few recipes to get you started on your culinary journey with Cinnamon Myrtle.

1. Simple Cinnamon Myrtle Tea

A wonderfully fragrant and soothing beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons dried Cinnamon Myrtle leaves (or 3-4 fresh, bruised leaves)
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Place the dried or fresh Cinnamon Myrtle leaves in a mug or teapot.
2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves.
3. Let steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
4. Strain the leaves and serve. Sweeten with honey or a touch of sugar if desired.

2. Cinnamon Myrtle & Lemon Drizzle Cake

A classic cake with a delightful aromatic twist.

Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 40-45 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:

  • 225g unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon Myrtle leaves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

• For the Drizzle:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 100g icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon Myrtle leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) loaf tin with baking parchment.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each addition to prevent curdling.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and ground Cinnamon Myrtle into a separate bowl. Stir in the lemon zest.
5. Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, if the mixture is too stiff.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Make Drizzle: While the cake is baking, whisk together the lemon juice, icing sugar, and ground Cinnamon Myrtle until smooth.
8. Drizzle: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack and prick the top all over with a skewer. Pour the drizzle over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
9. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

3. Cinnamon Myrtle Marinated Chicken Skewers

A fragrant and flavourful way to enjoy grilled chicken.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon Myrtle leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, ground Cinnamon Myrtle, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator).
2. Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
3. Cook: Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Serve: Serve hot with your favourite sides, such as a fresh salad or rice.

4. Cinnamon Myrtle & Berry Crumble

A comforting dessert that showcases the warm spice of Cinnamon Myrtle.

Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:

  • 500g mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon Myrtle leaves
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)

• For the Crumble Topping:

  • 150g plain flour
  • 75g cold butter, cubed
  • 50g rolled oats
  • 50g brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon Myrtle leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/Gas Mark 5). Lightly grease a medium ovenproof dish.
2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, gently mix the berries with caster sugar, ground Cinnamon Myrtle, and cornflour. Pour into the prepared dish.
3. Make Crumble Topping: In another bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground Cinnamon Myrtle.
4. Assemble & Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
5. Serve: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or cream.

Beyond the Kitchen: The Aromatic and Ornamental Value

While its culinary potential is a significant draw, the Cinnamon Myrtle is also a beautiful and fragrant ornamental plant. Its glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers add a touch of exotic elegance to any garden. It can be grown as a specimen tree, a large shrub, or even as a hedge. The intoxicating scent released from its leaves on a warm day is a delight in itself, attracting beneficial insects and creating a truly sensory experience.

The Growing Appeal of Sustainable and Unique Ingredients

In an era where consumers are increasingly seeking unique, sustainable, and natural ingredients, the Cinnamon Myrtle fits perfectly into this trend. It’s a plant that can be grown in your own backyard, providing a fresh and readily available source of flavour and fragrance. By choosing to cultivate and use Cinnamon Myrtle, you’re embracing a connection to nature and a more mindful approach to your cooking and lifestyle.

Conclusion: Bring the Magic of Cinnamon Myrtle Home

The Cinnamon Myrtle is more than just a plant; it’s an invitation to engage your senses, experiment in the kitchen, and beautify your surroundings. Its captivating aroma, versatile culinary applications, and attractive form make it a truly special addition to any home. If you’re looking for a plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and incredible flavour, then a Cinnamon Myrtle plant for sale is an opportunity not to be missed. Embrace the magic of this enchanting Australian native and discover the fragrant wonders it can bring to your life.