Bush Apple:

Syzygium suborbiculare

The glorious red Bush Apples are a part of the Lilly Pilly family (Syzygium suborbiculare), these beautiful fruits thrive in the tropical north of Australia, growing in the understory of open forests and coastal woodlands. The fruit can be recognised by the white flowers, large dark leaves and ribbed red fruit.

As the heat and humidity of the build-up to the wet season begin, the apples ripen and fall to the ground, where they are collected with care.

With a large seed in the centre, surrounded by white flesh, Bush Apples offer a crisp texture and a taste that ranges from sweet and juicy to sharp and tangy, the bush apple has a sweet, slightly floral aroma.  The flavour of the fruit can change depending on where they grow and their proximity to fresh or salt water.

• Closer to freshwater, the fruit tends to be sweeter.
• Near saltwater country, the flavour becomes more sour and tart.

In Maningrida, (where the fruit that goes into our drinks is sourced) and other communities across Arnhem Land, the harvesting of Djarduk is done with deep cultural care. Ensuring they do not harvest the last fruits, (learn more here). 

Traditionally, the juice of cooked bush apples has been used to soothe sore throats, coughs and chest congestion, while the leaves can be soaked in water and used as a tea to treat stomach upsets or as a topical remedy for wounds.

At ETCH Sparkling, we feel incredibly honoured to celebrate native ingredients like Bush Apple in our APL – Bush Apple, Kakadu Plum sparkling. 

Image via Maningrida Wild Foods

Bush Apples or Lady Apples are known locally as Djarduk by the Maningrida community which is located in Arnhem Land.

Bush Apples feature in the ETCH Sparkling APL flavour, SHOP APL HERE