Aniseed Myrtle Recipes: Sweet & Savoury Australian Dishes

What Is Aniseed Myrtle? A Quick Guide to This Native Australian Ingredient

Flavour Profile: Sweet, Aromatic & Naturally Anise‑Forward

Aniseed Myrtle delivers a clean, uplifting sweetness with a flavour similar to:

• anise
• liquorice
• star anise
• fennel

But unlike those spices, Aniseed Myrtle has a softer, more rounded aroma with a gentle herbal freshness. Terrablendz customers often describe it as “sweet without being sugary” and “aromatic without being overpowering.”

Key flavour notes:

• Sweet anise — the dominant profile
• Light herbal freshness — similar to lemon myrtle’s brightness but without citrus
• Warm spice undertones — subtle, comforting, ideal for baking
• Clean finish — no bitterness, even when used in savoury dishes

This balanced flavour is why Aniseed Myrtle works beautifully in both sweet and savoury recipes across the Terrablendz range.

Why Aniseed Myrtle Works in Both Sweet & Savoury Recipes

Aniseed Myrtle is one of the most versatile native herbs in the Terrablendz pantry. Its unique chemistry—particularly its high concentration of anethole, the same compound found in anise and fennel—allows it to blend seamlessly into a wide range of dishes.

Why it shines in sweet recipes:

• Enhances berries, citrus, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate
• Adds depth to biscuits, slices, jams, and syrups
• Provides natural sweetness without added sugar
• Works beautifully in custards, creams, and dessert infusions

Why it elevates savoury dishes:

• Balances richness in slow‑cooked meats like brisket
• Adds aromatic lift to soups, broths, and roasted vegetables
• Complements root vegetables, pumpkin, and sweet potato
• Enhances chutneys, marinades, and spice rubs

At Terrablendz, we use Aniseed Myrtle across a wide recipe range—from Anzac biscuits to pumpkin soup, raspberry jam, beef brisket, and peach chutney—because it adapts effortlessly to whatever you pair it with.

How to Cook with Aniseed Myrtle (Fresh, Ground & Infused)

Best Forms to Use in Baking

For Terrablendz customers, baking is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use Aniseed Myrtle. Ground Aniseed Myrtle blends seamlessly into dry ingredients, giving biscuits, slices, cakes and jams a naturally sweet, aromatic lift.

• Ground Aniseed Myrtle is the go‑to for consistent flavour.
• Fresh leaves can be steeped in warm milk, cream or syrup for custards and desserts.
• Infused sugar (simply mix and rest) adds a delicate anise sweetness to shortbread, meringues and jams.

A little goes a long way—start with ½–1 tsp in most Terrablendz recipes and adjust to taste.

Using Aniseed Myrtle in Sauces, Marinades & Rubs

Aniseed Myrtle brings a bright, aromatic lift to savoury dishes, especially when paired with slow‑cooked meats, root vegetables or fruit‑based sauces.

• Add ground Aniseed Myrtle to dry rubs for brisket, chicken or lamb.
• Stir into marinades with honey, garlic, ginger or citrus.
• Use fresh or dried leaves to infuse sauces, chutneys and glazes.

For a perfect example of how the flavour behaves in a savoury‑sweet context, see our recipe: Aniseed Myrtle Cooking Tips: Aniseed Myrtle & Peach Chutney.

Heat Sensitivity & When to Add It for Maximum Flavour

Aniseed Myrtle is naturally high in anethole, the compound responsible for its sweet anise aroma. While robust, this compound can fade if exposed to prolonged high heat. To preserve its signature flavour:

• Add ground Aniseed Myrtle towards the end of cooking for soups, sauces and slow‑cooked dishes.
• For baking, incorporate it into the batter or dough as usual—shorter, enclosed heat exposure keeps the flavour intact.
• When infusing liquids (milk, cream, syrup), use gentle heat and steep rather than boil.
• For marinades and rubs, the flavour intensifies over time, so a little is enough.

Handled well, Aniseed Myrtle delivers a clean, aromatic finish that elevates both sweet and savoury Terrablendz recipes without overpowering them.

To check out more recipes using Dried Aniseed Myrtle (Syzygium Anisatum) have a read through our Terrablendz Recipes!

Sweet Aniseed Myrtle Recipes

Aniseed Myrtle & Raspberry Jam

This jam is one of the most popular sweet recipes in the Terrablendz community because Aniseed Myrtle amplifies the natural tartness of raspberries with a warm, aromatic sweetness. The herb rounds out the acidity and creates a beautifully balanced, fragrant spread perfect for scones, toast, yoghurt bowls or layered desserts.

Recipe: Aniseed Myrtle & Raspberry Jam

Aniseed Myrtle Anzac Biscuits

A classic Australian favourite gets a native twist with the addition of Aniseed Myrtle. The herb enhances the buttery oat base with a gentle liquorice‑sweet aroma, adding depth without overpowering the traditional flavour. Terrablendz customers love this recipe because it’s simple, nostalgic and a perfect introduction to baking with native herbs.
Recipe: Aniseed Myrtle Anzac Biscuits

Homemade Aniseed Myrtle Slice

This slice is a standout for anyone who enjoys café‑style treats with a bushfood edge. The sweetness of the base pairs beautifully with the aromatic lift of Aniseed Myrtle, creating a dessert that feels familiar yet distinctly Australian. It’s ideal for lunchboxes, gatherings or as a signature Terrablendz‑inspired bake.
Recipe: Homemade Aniseed Myrtle Slice

Dessert Pairings: Berries, Citrus, Vanilla & Coconut

Aniseed Myrtle is incredibly versatile in sweet dishes because its natural anise‑forward flavour complements a wide range of dessert ingredients. Some of the best pairings include:

• Berries — raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries
• Citrus — lemon, lime, orange and finger lime
• Vanilla — custards, creams, panna cotta and ice‑cream bases
• Coconut — slices, macaroons, puddings and dairy‑free desserts

These combinations highlight the herb’s sweetness while keeping the flavour profile clean, bright and unmistakably native. Terrablendz recipes often lean into these pairings to help home cooks create desserts that feel both modern and authentically Australian.

Savoury Aniseed Myrtle Recipes

Beef Brisket with Aniseed Myrtle: A Native Twist

Aniseed Myrtle adds a beautifully aromatic lift to rich, slow‑cooked meats, and brisket is one of the best showcases of this pairing. The herb cuts through the fattiness with a clean, sweet‑spice note, creating a balanced, deeply flavourful dish. Terrablendz customers love this recipe because it transforms a classic comfort meal into something uniquely Australian without complicating the cooking process.
Recipe: Beef Brisket with Aniseed Myrtle: A Native Twist

Best Aniseed Myrtle Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup becomes something extraordinary with the addition of Aniseed Myrtle. The herb enhances the natural sweetness of pumpkin while adding warmth and aromatic depth. It’s a perfect example of how a small amount of native spice can elevate a simple, everyday recipe into a signature Terrablendz dish. Smooth, comforting and subtly fragrant, this soup is ideal for showcasing Aniseed Myrtle to first‑time users.
Recipe: Best Aniseed Myrtle Recipe: Aniseed Myrtle Pumpkin Soup

Aniseed Myrtle Infusions & Drinks

Herbal Tea Infusions

Aniseed Myrtle makes a naturally sweet, calming herbal tea with a clean anise aroma that feels both refreshing and soothing. Terrablendz customers often use dried leaves for a stronger, more consistent flavour, but fresh leaves work beautifully too. Steep gently—hot water, not boiling—to preserve the delicate aromatics. It pairs well with lemon myrtle, mint, chamomile and berry‑based blends for a uniquely Australian tea experience.

Syrups, Cordials & Cocktails

Aniseed Myrtle is exceptional in liquid infusions because its sweetness dissolves smoothly into syrups and cordials. A simple infused syrup can transform cocktails, mocktails, iced teas and dessert drizzles. It works especially well with:

• citrus (lime, orange, finger lime)
• berries
• gin, vodka or botanical spirits
• sparkling water for a refreshing native soda

These infusions add a sophisticated, aromatic twist that elevates drinks without overpowering them.

Aniseed Myrtle Milk, Cream & Custard Bases

Infusing dairy with Aniseed Myrtle creates a silky, aromatic base perfect for desserts. Warm milk or cream gently with the leaves, allow it to steep, then strain before using. This technique enhances:

• custards
• panna cotta
• crème brûlée
• ice‑cream bases
• pastry creams

The result is a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with vanilla, coconut and citrus—ideal for Terrablendz dessert recipes.

Explore: Aniseed Myrtle Infusion Recipes: Australian Flavours

Chutneys, Condiments & Flavour Boosters

Aniseed Myrtle & Peach Chutney

This chutney is one of the best examples of how Aniseed Myrtle can bridge sweet and savoury flavours. The natural sweetness of peaches pairs beautifully with the herb’s aromatic anise notes, creating a chutney that’s vibrant, fragrant and deeply Australian. It works perfectly with roast meats, cheese boards, sandwiches and glazed vegetables. Terrablendz uses this recipe to show how a single native herb can transform everyday condiments into something special.

Spice Blends & Rubs

Aniseed Myrtle is a powerful addition to spice blends because it adds sweetness, aroma and warmth without heat. It pairs well with pepperberry, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon myrtle and native citrus. Terrablendz customers often use it in:

• dry rubs for brisket, lamb or chicken
• seasoning blends for roasted vegetables
• aromatic mixes for slow‑cooked dishes
• sweet‑savory rubs for BBQ and smoking

Its clean, uplifting flavour helps balance richer spices and adds a uniquely Australian twist to classic blends.

Try our Burnt Ridge BBQ Rub (With Aniseed Myrtle, Saltbush & Pepperberry)!

How to Use Aniseed Myrtle in Dressings & Vinaigrettes

A small amount of Aniseed Myrtle can completely elevate a dressing. Its natural sweetness softens acidity, making it ideal for citrus‑based vinaigrettes, creamy dressings and fruit‑forward salads. Try adding a pinch to:

• lemon or lime vinaigrettes
• honey‑mustard dressings
• yoghurt‑based sauces
• berry or stone‑fruit salad dressings

The herb blends especially well with olive oil, citrus juice, honey, mustard and native ingredients like finger lime or pepperberry. Terrablendz often uses this technique to add a subtle, aromatic lift to salads and cold dishes without overwhelming the palate.

Recipe Collection: Your Complete Aniseed Myrtle Cookbook

Sweet Recipes Index

• Aniseed Myrtle & Raspberry Jam
  
• Aniseed Myrtle Anzac Biscuits
  
• Homemade Aniseed Myrtle Slice: A Native Australian Food Recipe
  

Savoury Recipes Index

• Beef Brisket with Aniseed Myrtle: A Native Twist
  
• Best Aniseed Myrtle Recipe: Aniseed Myrtle Pumpkin Soup
  

Infusions & Drinks Index

• Explore Aniseed Myrtle Infusion Recipes: Australian Flavours

Condiments & Pantry Staples Index

• Aniseed Myrtle Cooking Tips: Aniseed Myrtle & Peach Chutney

Where to Buy Aniseed Myrtle (Fresh, Dried or Ground)

Terrablendz Native Herbs Range

Terrablendz stocks a curated collection of native Australian herbs designed to help you cook confidently with bushfoods at home. Alongside Aniseed Myrtle, you’ll find complementary flavours such as Lemon Myrtle, Pepperberry, Saltbush and more, perfect for building a versatile native pantry. Each product is packaged for freshness, easy storage and everyday use, making it simple to incorporate authentic Australian flavours into your cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aniseed Myrtle

Can I Substitute Aniseed Myrtle for Star Anise or Fennel?

Yes — in many recipes, Aniseed Myrtle can be used as a lighter, more aromatic substitute for star anise or fennel. It delivers the same sweet anise notes but with a cleaner, fresher flavour that doesn’t overpower the dish. It works especially well in baking, jams, soups, marinades and slow‑cooked meals.
The key difference is intensity: Aniseed Myrtle is gentler, so you’ll typically use slightly more than you would star anise, but less than fennel seeds.

How Much Aniseed Myrtle Should I Use in Baking?

Aniseed Myrtle is naturally potent, so a little goes a long way. For most Terrablendz baking recipes:

• Use ½–1 teaspoon of ground Aniseed Myrtle per batch of biscuits, slices or cakes.
• For custards, creams or infused milk, start with 2–4 leaves or ¼–½ teaspoon ground, then adjust to taste.

Because it enhances sweetness, you often don’t need to increase sugar — the herb does the heavy lifting.

Does Aniseed Myrtle Lose Flavour When Cooked?

Aniseed Myrtle is heat‑sensitive, meaning prolonged high heat can soften or dull its aromatic top notes. To preserve maximum flavour:

• Add it towards the end of cooking for soups, sauces and slow‑cooked dishes.
• For baking, it holds up well because the heat is enclosed and shorter.
• For infusions (milk, cream, syrups), use gentle heat and steep rather than boil.

Handled correctly, Aniseed Myrtle keeps its clean, sweet, aromatic profile and elevates both sweet and savoury dishes beautifully.

Explore More Native Australian Ingredients

Lemon Myrtle

Lemon Myrtle is one of Australia’s most iconic native herbs, known for its bright, citrus‑forward aroma that’s stronger than traditional lemon. It works beautifully in both sweet and savoury dishes, adding freshness to cakes, biscuits, marinades, teas and seafood. Terrablendz customers love it for its versatility and its ability to instantly “lift” a recipe with clean, vibrant flavour

Pepperberry

Pepperberry brings a bold, fruity heat that’s completely different from standard black pepper. It offers a deep purple colour when ground and a flavour profile that’s spicy, slightly sweet and subtly floral. It’s ideal for rubs, slow‑cooked meats, sauces and even chocolate desserts. As part of the Terrablendz range, it’s a favourite for adding complexity and native character to everyday cooking.

Saltbush

Saltbush is a naturally salty, mineral‑rich native herb that enhances savoury dishes without overpowering them. It’s excellent as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, breads and roasted potatoes, and it’s a great low‑sodium alternative to table salt. Terrablendz uses Saltbush to help home cooks add depth, umami and a distinctly Australian edge to simple meals.

To check out our recipes using these Australian native herbs have a read through our Terrablendz Recipes!

While you're at it grab your Dried Aniseed Myrtle (Syzygium Anisatum) as well!