This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
Eucalyptus leaves are long, slender, oval in shape, and taper to a point, averaging 7-10 centimeters in length. The surface of the leaves is leathery, waxy, and has a grey to bluish-green hue. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern facing downwards and are covered in oil glands. Eucalyptus leaves are intensely aromatic with a mix of menthol, citrus, and pine. On the palate, they impart pungent flavors that are bitter and warm that finish with a cooling sensation.
Seasons/Availability
Eucalyptus leaves are available year-round.
Current Facts
Eucalyptus leaves, botanically classified as Eucalyptus globulus, grow on an evergreen tree and are members of the Myrtaceae, or myrtle family. There are over seven hundred species of Eucalyptus plants, and they are fast-growing and are among the tallest plants in the world. Eucalyptus leaves are most commonly used for aromatherapy and are mentioned in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek, and European medicines. They are considered to be toxic when ingested raw and should only be consumed boiled in small quantities of tea. Eucalyptus oil is also used as a natural insect repellent and as an industrial cleaning solvent.
Nutritional Value
Eucalyptus leaves contain eucalyptol, or cineole, which is a compound that can help reduce symptoms of coughs and phlegm.
Applications
Eucalyptus leaves are rarely used for culinary purposes as ingesting large quantities can be harmful, but there has been some documentation of it being experimented for use in infusions, jellies, cakes, and purees. Fishermen in Portugal are also said to use Eucalyptus leaves to lend a smoky flavor to grilled fish. Eucalyptus leaves are boiled and used to make tea, but no more than two or three leaves are recommended to be used. Eucalyptus leaves are used primarily in aromatherapy and traditional medicines. Eucalyptus leaf oil or extracts are commonly used in small doses in modern mouthwashes, toothpaste, cough medications, and cough drops. The daily recommended dosage of the oil is 0.05ml and lower. Topically, Eucalyptus oil has also been used to ward off insects. Children are never advised to be treated with Eucalyptus, as they would be at the highest risk for an overdose.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Eucalyptus tree is abundant in Australian landscape and has been referenced in local art, music, and literature. Sydney's Blue Mountains are named after the Eucalyptus tree. On warm days, mist rises from the forest of the Eucalyptus trees, and the blue-tinged mist is a product of oils in the Eucalyptus leaf, released when temperatures climb. Australian Aboriginals used Eucalyptus oils in their medicines and dried the leaves to be used in teas. They also used the wood of the Eucalyptus to make the wind instrument, the didgeridoo.
Geography/History
Eucalyptus is native to Australia and Tasmania, and the first record of the trees was made in 1770. The tree has since spread worldwide due to its rich medicinal qualities and arrived in California during the gold rush as a promising renewable source of wood. Today Eucalyptus is cultivated in India, China, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Gilbert & Lee Farms…..Eucalyptus Leaves: These leaves are slender and oval, averaging 7-10 centimeters in length, with a leathery surface in hues of grey to bluish-green. They grow alternately, facing downward, and are fragrant with notes of menthol, citrus, and pine. Their flavor is pungent, bitter, and warm, ending with a cooling sensation, thanks to oil glands covering their surface.
JR Organics…..Eucalyptus leaves are primarily known for their use in aromatherapy and traditional medicine. Boiling them to make tea is a common practice, but no more than two or three leaves should be used due to potential toxicity. In Portugal, fishermen creatively use Eucalyptus leaves to add a smoky flavor to grilled fish. The plant's oil is found in small doses in products like mouthwash, toothpaste, and cough drops, with a safe daily limit of 0.05 ml or less.
JR Organics…..Eucalyptus leaves come from an evergreen tree in the myrtle family, with over 700 species. They are known for their use in aromatherapy and traditional medicines from various cultures, including Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek, and European practices. These leaves are toxic when raw but can be safely consumed in small amounts when boiled, such as in tea. Eucalyptus is also valued for its oil, which serves as a natural insect repellent and cleaning solvent.
JR Organics…..Eucalyptus trees, originally from Australia and Tasmania, were documented in 1770 and spread globally for their medicinal benefits. They reached California during the Gold Rush, valued as a renewable wood source. Now, they are grown in India, China, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Gilbert and Lee Farms…..The Eucalyptus tree's misty oils contribute to the blue tint of Sydney's Blue Mountains on warm days. Aboriginal Australians found medicinal uses for Eucalyptus oils and crafted the didgeridoo from its wood. They also brewed teas from its dried leaves, showcasing the tree's cultural and practical significance.
Maciel Family Farms…..Eucalyptus leaves are long, slender, and oval-shaped, averaging 7-10 centimeters in length. Their waxy surface is gray to bluish-green and covered in oil glands. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern and emit a strong aroma blending menthol, citrus, and pine. When tasted, they provide bitter, warm flavors that finish with a cooling effect, contributing to their distinctive sensory experience.
Gilbert & Lee Farms…..Eucalyptus leaves are mostly known for their use in aromatherapy and traditional medicines rather than culinary practices. When consumed, only small amounts should be used, as large quantities can be harmful. For example, Eucalyptus tea is made by boiling two to three leaves, while its oil is often found in tiny doses in toothpaste, cough drops, or mouthwash. Interestingly, Portuguese fishermen use the leaves to add a smoky flavor to grilled fish.
Gilbert & Lee Farms…..Eucalyptus leaves are prized for their use in aromatherapy and traditional medicines across various cultures, including Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek, and European practices. They should not be eaten raw due to their toxicity but can be safely consumed in small amounts when boiled in tea. Additionally, eucalyptus oil serves as a natural insect repellent and is commonly used as an industrial cleaning solvent.
Hidalgo Flowers…..Eucalyptus is native to Australia and Tasmania and was first recorded in 1770. It became widespread globally due to its valuable medicinal qualities. The tree was introduced to California during the gold rush as a renewable wood source. Today, Eucalyptus is cultivated in regions including India, China, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Gilbert and Lee Farms…..The Eucalyptus tree influences the names and atmosphere of Australia's Blue Mountains because of the blue-tinged mist created by oils released from its leaves when temperatures rise. Aboriginals traditionally utilized Eucalyptus oils for medicine, brewed dried leaves into teas, and crafted didgeridoos from its wood, integrating the tree into both cultural and practical aspects of life.