A story of how Australian native ingredients ended up in chai
When I first moved to Australia, I remember the moment I discovered lemon myrtle. That bright, fresh lemon-cream fragrance lifted me, not just because it was new, but because it felt like a greeting from this land I was just beginning to call home.
Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the way native Australian ingredients tell stories of place, culture, community, and nature. The scents and stories captivate me every time!
In my Australian native chai blends, I've used lemon myrtle, wattleseed, and strawberry gum leaf because each one brings something unique to the flavour, aroma and ritual of chai.
Developing these blends brought me closer to Australia and made it feel like home.
Lemon Myrtle: A citrus whisper of home
Lemon myrtle is one of the most fragrant Australian native herbs. Its leaves ripple with a lemon-cream aroma that’s immediately uplifting. It’s the herb that made me feel welcomed by Australia in a new way.
In my Lemon Myrtle Native Chai, I’ve blended this refreshing ingredient with my signature chai spices and, of course, ginger to create a flavour that bridges refreshing citrus with comforting warmth.
What I love about using lemon myrtle:
* It adds a clean, uplifting note that complements the rich sweetness of chai.
* It connects the chai to place, this land, its flora, its story.
* It invites your senses to discover something innovative in a cup of tea.
When you sip a blend with lemon myrtle, you’re tasting a moment of arrival, of belonging, of intersection between cultures and flavours.
Wattleseed: Deep, nutty roots
Wattleseed is the seed of many Acacia species across Australia, and it has an ancient story.
Indigenous Australians used wattleseed as a food source for thousands of years.
In my Roasted Wattleseed & Carob Spiced Chai, the wattleseed brings a roasted, nutty flavour. Think dark chocolate, coffee, and hazelnut layered into chai spices for depth and intrigue.
* It adds grounding richness to the blend, the kind of flavour that invites you to slow down.
* It honours long-held traditions and ingredients of this land, giving each cup a sense of heritage.
* It feels bold and warming, a cosy, hearty note in a world of delicate teas.
That first sip of a blend with wattleseed is like settling in after a good conversation, and feeling the warmth and care from a beloved friend.
Strawberry Gum Leaf: A hint of berries in your cup
In my Native Chai Discovery Box, you’ll find a blend with Australian-grown sencha, strawberry gum leaf and selected spices, a mellow, low-caffeine mix perfect for anytime.
Why strawberry gum leaf means something to me:
* It brings delicate flavour complexity: berry, cinnamon, soft leaf aroma, a contrast to bold spices.
* It invites lighter moments of chai, when you want to pause, not rush; when you want to breathe.
* It reflects nature’s subtlety: even native herbs can surprise you with their gentle elegance.
Sipping a chai with strawberry gum leaf is like listening to the breeze in the bush. It’s soft, layered and aromatic.
Why these native ingredients matter to me
Using these native ingredients in The Chai Room blends is about honouring what Mother Nature has filled with so much goodness and making sure their full flavour is brought out in the chai teas.
When I hand-blend in my kitchen and pack orders in my living room, I’m weaving together:
* My Indian heritage and love of chai ritual
* My discovery of and respect for Australian native botanicals
* A hope that every cup becomes a micro-journey for you: from leaf to brew, from land to heart
Each ingredient above is chosen because it has the flexibility to combine beautifully with so many others for a gorgeous brew.
And when you bring that into your me-time, it's definitely something to savour and celebrate!
Want an iced lemon myrtle chai recipe? Check it out here.
Here’s to the native herbs, to the journey of chai, and to you. 💛
Warmly,
Fatema xxx