Lilly Pilly & Riberry
The beautiful Lilly Pilly, and its similar yet different cousin the Riberry, are native Australian fruits known for their tart, cranberry and clove like flavours and vibrant colours. The Riberry is also Australia’s national fruit! The small, round berries on both grow in large clusters and ripen to a deep crimson hue, with Lilly Pilly’s also ranging in violet, pink, purple, blue and white. Whilst the Riberry is between 5mm-10mm in diameter, the larger Lilly Pilly ranges between 10-20mm in diameter, somewhere between a blueberry and a small grape.
The trees themselves, vary too. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe) is a slender hedging tree, whilst Riberry (Syzygium luehmannii), can grow as tall as 30m in the wild. But in gardens they peak around 10m and are often pruned to size just a few meters tall as ornamental hedges/shrubs.
Common Name: Lilly Pilly & Riberry
Scientific Name: Syzygium australe & Syzygium luehmannii
Seasonality: Fruits typically ripen in winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but in some regions it is known to produce multiple harvests throughout the year.
Growing Region: Indigenous to subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia, including Queensland and New South Wales. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soils.
Flavour
Sweet, tart, and musky. Taste is always varied but typically in the range of cranberries with a hint of cloves. The actual flavour depends a lot on the variety and growing conditions. It can be sweeter, fruitier, delicious straight from the tree, or it can be overpoweringly tart and need cooking with sweeteners to be palatable.
Usage
Jams and Preserves: Lilly Pilly's tart flavor and high pectin content make it perfect for jams, jellies, and preserves. Spread it on toast, scones, or sandwiches for a taste of the Australian bush.
Desserts: From pies and tarts to ice creams and sorbets, Lilly Pilly adds a burst of tangy sweetness to desserts. Its vibrant color and unique flavor elevate classic recipes with an Australian flair.
Sauces and Chutneys: Lilly Pilly sauce or chutney is a delightful accompaniment to meats like chicken, pork, or lamb, adding a deliciously tart and fruity flavor to savory dishes.
Beverages: Lilly Pilly is also used to make refreshing beverages like cordials, syrups, and teas, where its tartness can be balanced with sweeteners for a delightful drink.