What is Wattleseed

Wattleseed is regarded as a spice that originates from Australia. Wattleseed is the harvested seed from some of Australia’s Acacia trees and shrubs which are collectively known by Australians as Wattles.

There are just under a 1000 different varieties of Acacia that are native to Austrailia so it is impossible to give one botanical name for wattleseed other than the Genus is Acacia.

The wattleseed taste and aroma

The wattleseed aroma

Wattleseed adds an aroma that is unlike any other. It is a mixture of coffee, chocolate and hazelnut.

The wattleseed taste

The taste is slightly different. Wattleseed adds a taste that is predominantly chocolate with hints of coffee without the the bitterness and hazelnut like finish.

How Wattleseed is used in cookery

The spice Wattleseed is available in the form of grounds, a fluid extract and a paste. The availability in these three forms make it both versatile and very easy to use with little or no preparation needed.

The extract

Wattleseed extract is a versatile flavouring which can be used in the same as you would any liquid flavouring essense.

The Wattleseed extract can be used in sauces, marinades and many desserts where you want the the unique aroma and flavour. Ice cream, icings and in whipped cream (To add both colour and flavour) are three favourites. You can also use it as a coffee substitute which is naturally caffiene free.

Wattleseed grounds

Usage of wattleseed grounds is slightly different because they need to be either boiled or moist cooked to soften them and release their unique flavour.

Suitable uses are: bread, cake or biscuit mixes, sauces (Really enhances red wine based sauses), marinades and hot dessert sauces.

Wattleseed paste

The paste can be used in virtually everything.

Vic Cherikoff

Austrailian Vic Cherikoff’s website has excellent recipes and more information about Wattleseed and other Australian Herbs and Spices. It’s well worth a visit to read the history and other articles which are written with a unique sense of humour!

You can read about other spices and herbs on limepickle.com here

Wattleseed is quite unique and worth a try!