Saltbush Berries
Inventory, oz : 0
Description/Taste
Saltbush berries are small fruits that grow on dense, low-lying mats of foliage. These berries have a rounded, teardrop shape, similar to a pomegranate seed but with a pointier tip. They measure about 4 to 6 millimeters in size. The berries have a bright red-orange hue dusted with a white residue. Saltbush berries are glossy yet slightly shriveled, with a texture resembling dried jelly. They have juicy flesh that surrounds crunchy black or brown seeds, which are about 1.5 to 2 millimeters in size. The berries have a tart cranberry flavor with a distinct saltiness and fresh, grassy undertones. The grayish-green leaves of Saltbush are also edible and share the plant’s salty character.
Seasons/Availability
Saltbush berries are available from spring to early summer.
Current Facts
Australian Saltbush, botanically classified as Atriplex semibaccata, belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which also includes beets, quinoa, chard, and spinach. This species is also referred to as Australian Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush, and Scrambling Saltbush berries. The bush these berries grow on forms a mat-like shape with low-growing, sprawling branches covered in leaves. It only reaches a height of 40 to 80 centimeters but spreads out 1.5 to 2 meters wide. Saltbush berry plants provide food and shelter to many animals and insects such as skinks, frogs, birds, pygmy blue butterflies, and grazing animals. While the plant has several culinary uses, it is primarily grown for its ornamental and practical benefits rather than for its berries.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of Saltbush berries is not widely known, but the leaves and seeds of the plant have been historically used as a source of protein. These nutrients aid in muscle growth and repair, hormone production, cell and tissue growth, immune support, and energy, keratin and collagen production for healthier skin, nails, and hair. The plant is often consumed by lambs that graze on it, which results in their meat being milder, less gamey, and higher in vitamin E. This vitamin aids in wound healing, cell regeneration, and eye health, and helps prevent free radical cell damage, bad cholesterol levels, inflammation, and sun damage. The oils extracted from Saltbush berry leaves possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may enhance the effectiveness of the antibiotic gentamicin in combating infections.
Applications
Saltbush berries can be used on their own or the leaves can be dried and used as a seasoning. The raw berries can be tossed into salads, couscous, granola, yogurt parfaits, or charcuterie boards to add a tart, salty flavor. They can also be preserved in jams, preserves, and chutneys. These berries may be incorporated into smoothies, tarts, cakes, sorbets, and fruit sauces. Dried Saltbush berry leaves have an inherent salinity that makes them a natural complement to seafood. The entire bush may be laid over a bed of coals to grill beef, pork, or lamb. As the branches and leaves char, they impart a smoked saltiness to the meat as it cooks. Saltbush berries pair well with the flavors of goat cheese, ricotta, and brie, farro, chicken, pork, dried fruits, oranges, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dark chocolate, balsamic and apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Saltbush berries are a type of bush tucker, a food variety native to Australia. Historically, bush tucker was utilized by Indigenous Australians during the hunter-gatherer societies that developed before colonial settlers arrived. These tribes foraged for nutrient-rich foods like Saltbush berries, along with various herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also hunted crocodiles, emus, and kangaroos, which provided good sources of protein. Indigenous peoples developed extensive knowledge of edible crops and plants, which they passed down through generations to ensure their survival. Today, many of these native bush ingredients are used in natural medicine and skincare, demonstrating the ongoing value of this traditional knowledge.
Geography/History
Saltbush is native to southwestern Australia. Today, it grows across parts of Africa, western Asia, Spain, and along the Pacific coasts of North and South America. Saltbush thrives in sand and clay loam soils with slight salinity. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant species that can survive in hot, barren climates, although it often dies back in the driest summer months.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Saltbush Berries. One is easiest, three is harder.
Good Food | Gravlax Cured with Desert Lime and Saltbush | |
Bush Tucker recipes | Onion Pie | |
Bush Tucker recipes | Saltbush & Native Basil Salsa |