Uncommon plants for use in the kitchen
20 June 2014
The 2014 Queensland Garden Expo is fast approaching, and this year’s action-packed program shaping up to be one of the best yet. The July event includes 125 free lectures and demonstrations across eight stages, and more than 360 exhibitors. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the three-day expo.
Here Expo presenter, avid gardener and horticultural author Barbara Wickes provides an overview of some little known plant varieties that are well-suited to Queensland’s largely warm and sunny climate and can add some variety to your dinner table:
• Yacon — Also known as the Peruvian ground apple, this sweet root vegetable can be described as a cross between an apple and a watermelon. The crisp, low calorie tubers it produces can be peeled, chopped and added to salads, used with dips or even boiled or steamed.
• Brazilian spinach — This low-growing plant is perfect for use in salads and stir fries. It is very high in vitamin and mineral content and also makes a great addition to ornamental gardens (especially as a garden border) thanks to its attractive leafy appearance.
• Galangal — While galangal resembles ginger in appearance, the skin of this root spice is reddish-brown in colour. It can be used in curries, stir fries and soups for a spicy flavour or even added to herbal tea. Young fresh roots are best used as they are particularly tender. The root also boats medicinal uses, often being used to treat digestive problems as well as nausea and vomiting. It will grow to at least 1.5 metres in most areas of Queensland.
• Lebanese Cress — Perfect for use in pesto and salads or as a garnish, the leaves of this perennial plant possess a carrot-like flavour. Best grown in a shady position, Lebanese cress will reach a height of approximately 40cm.
The Queensland Garden Expo will be held between 11-13 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Barbara Wickes will deliver a presentation on day one of the Expo regarding using herbs in the kitchen.
For more information and to access the full program once released, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
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