Lemon aspen

Acronychia acidula · Herb

40 pairings

Lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) is an Australian rainforest tree of the citrus family whose pale, marble-sized fruit carries an intense, resinous lemon-grapefruit tang. One of the best-known native "bush tucker" flavourings, the fruit and its juice are used like a tart citrus seasoning in sauces, dressings, marinades, drinks and preserves.

Picking a good onedrag

Firm, pale cream, sharply citrusBruised, soft, winey or furred

Stall freshFresh fruit as a native-food stall or a grower's punnet sells it. Juiced for dressings and drinks, pulped into marinades, or simmered with sugar into syrup and jam. Frozen pulp and powder are judged another way.Everyday best

SkinCream tinged green or yellow, a mark or two

The squeezeGives a little under the thumb, springs back

SmellCitrus clear but quieter, the resin faint

Stem scarScar dry, the rim darkened a little

What to look for, from firm, pale cream, sharply citrus to bruised, soft, winey or furred.

Preparing