Karkalla (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
Estimated delivery between Marsch 29 and April 01.
The Karkalla, scientifically known as Carpobrotus glaucescens, is a succulent plant native to the coastal regions of Australia. Also known as Native Pigface or Bush Tomato, this hardy plant is renowned for its vibrant, fleshy leaves and edible fruits that have been used for centuries by Indigenous Australian cultures for both culinary and purposes. The Karkalla produces bright, purple-pink flowers that bloom seasonally, followed by round, fleshy fruits that are similar in texture to a fig. These fruits have a mildly sweet flavor with a slightly tangy note, making them an excellent addition to various dishes. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Karkalla is valued for its numerous health benefits, including its potential to aid in digestion and promote skin health.
Features:
- Edible Fruit and Leaves: The Karkalla is both an ornamental plant and a source of edible fruits and leaves. The fruits have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, while the leaves are often used in traditional medicines.
- Rich in Nutrients: Karkalla is packed with essential vitamins, including vitamin C and various antioxidants, which promote immunity and skin health.
- Water-Retentive Properties: As a succulent, the Karkalla is adapted to dry environments, making it drought-tolerant and resilient, which adds to its appeal in sustainable gardening.
- Traditional Use: Indigenous Australians have used Karkalla for generations, leveraging its fruit, leaves, and roots for both and nutritional purposes.
Specifications:
- Scientific Name: Carpobrotus glaucescens
- Common Name: Karkalla, Native Pigface, Bush Tomato
- Size: The Karkalla plant can grow up to 1 meter in height, with fruits typically 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter.
- Origin: Native to coastal areas of Australia.
- Packaging Options: Fresh fruits, dried fruit, or processed products like jams, sauces, and extracts.
- Shelf Life: Fresh Karkalla fruits last up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator, while dried or processed forms can last much longer.
- Storage: Store fresh Karkalla fruit in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. Dried or preserved products should be kept in airtight containers.
Usage Ideas:
Culinary Applications:
- Fresh Consumption: The ripe fruit of Karkalla can be eaten fresh, offering a mild, sweet, and tangy flavor. It pairs well with other fruits and salads for a unique twist.
- Jams and Sauces: Karkalla can be made into jams, preserves, or sauces, often combined with other fruits like citrus or berries for a tangy condiment to serve with bread, cheeses, or meats.
- Smoothies and Juices: Blend Karkalla with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit to create refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothies or juices.
- Salads and Dishes: Incorporate Karkalla into savory salads, or use its flesh as a topping for seafood dishes, where its sweet and tangy flavor adds a refreshing contrast.
- Pickling: Karkalla fruits can be pickled with spices to create a tangy accompaniment to meats, curries, and rice dishes.
Health and Wellness:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Karkalla is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system and protects against oxidative stress.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content in Karkalla can support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and helping with digestion.
- Antioxidants for Skin Health: The antioxidants present in Karkalla are beneficial for skin health, helping to reduce the effects of aging and environmental stressors.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Traditionally, Karkalla has been used to help reduce inflammation and treat a range of skin conditions, including rashes and burns.
Aromatics and Natural Products:
- Essential Oils and Extracts: Karkalla can be used to produce essential oils or extracts that are applied to the skin for their potential anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Natural Skin Care: The plant’s natural properties make it an ideal ingredient in lotions, balms, or salves that soothe and hydrate the skin, helping to treat irritation or dryness.
The Karkalla is not just a visually striking plant with its vibrant flowers and succulent leaves, but it is also an incredibly versatile and nutritious food source. Whether used fresh in dishes or preserved as jams and sauces, the unique flavor profile of Karkalla makes it an exciting ingredient for culinary enthusiasts. Its rich nutrient profile, particularly its vitamin C and antioxidant content, also makes it a valuable addition to your wellness routine. From enhancing your diet to supporting skin health, Karkalla offers both flavor and functionality.
Dhara Seeds
Karkalla (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
Estimated delivery between Marsch 29 and April 01.
The Karkalla, scientifically known as Carpobrotus glaucescens, is a succulent plant native to the coastal regions of Australia. Also known as Native Pigface or Bush Tomato, this hardy plant is renowned for its vibrant, fleshy leaves and edible fruits that have been used for centuries by Indigenous Australian cultures for both culinary and purposes. The Karkalla produces bright, purple-pink flowers that bloom seasonally, followed by round, fleshy fruits that are similar in texture to a fig. These fruits have a mildly sweet flavor with a slightly tangy note, making them an excellent addition to various dishes. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Karkalla is valued for its numerous health benefits, including its potential to aid in digestion and promote skin health.
Features:
- Edible Fruit and Leaves: The Karkalla is both an ornamental plant and a source of edible fruits and leaves. The fruits have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, while the leaves are often used in traditional medicines.
- Rich in Nutrients: Karkalla is packed with essential vitamins, including vitamin C and various antioxidants, which promote immunity and skin health.
- Water-Retentive Properties: As a succulent, the Karkalla is adapted to dry environments, making it drought-tolerant and resilient, which adds to its appeal in sustainable gardening.
- Traditional Use: Indigenous Australians have used Karkalla for generations, leveraging its fruit, leaves, and roots for both and nutritional purposes.
Specifications:
- Scientific Name: Carpobrotus glaucescens
- Common Name: Karkalla, Native Pigface, Bush Tomato
- Size: The Karkalla plant can grow up to 1 meter in height, with fruits typically 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter.
- Origin: Native to coastal areas of Australia.
- Packaging Options: Fresh fruits, dried fruit, or processed products like jams, sauces, and extracts.
- Shelf Life: Fresh Karkalla fruits last up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator, while dried or processed forms can last much longer.
- Storage: Store fresh Karkalla fruit in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. Dried or preserved products should be kept in airtight containers.
Usage Ideas:
Culinary Applications:
- Fresh Consumption: The ripe fruit of Karkalla can be eaten fresh, offering a mild, sweet, and tangy flavor. It pairs well with other fruits and salads for a unique twist.
- Jams and Sauces: Karkalla can be made into jams, preserves, or sauces, often combined with other fruits like citrus or berries for a tangy condiment to serve with bread, cheeses, or meats.
- Smoothies and Juices: Blend Karkalla with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit to create refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothies or juices.
- Salads and Dishes: Incorporate Karkalla into savory salads, or use its flesh as a topping for seafood dishes, where its sweet and tangy flavor adds a refreshing contrast.
- Pickling: Karkalla fruits can be pickled with spices to create a tangy accompaniment to meats, curries, and rice dishes.
Health and Wellness:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Karkalla is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system and protects against oxidative stress.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content in Karkalla can support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and helping with digestion.
- Antioxidants for Skin Health: The antioxidants present in Karkalla are beneficial for skin health, helping to reduce the effects of aging and environmental stressors.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Traditionally, Karkalla has been used to help reduce inflammation and treat a range of skin conditions, including rashes and burns.
Aromatics and Natural Products:
- Essential Oils and Extracts: Karkalla can be used to produce essential oils or extracts that are applied to the skin for their potential anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Natural Skin Care: The plant’s natural properties make it an ideal ingredient in lotions, balms, or salves that soothe and hydrate the skin, helping to treat irritation or dryness.
The Karkalla is not just a visually striking plant with its vibrant flowers and succulent leaves, but it is also an incredibly versatile and nutritious food source. Whether used fresh in dishes or preserved as jams and sauces, the unique flavor profile of Karkalla makes it an exciting ingredient for culinary enthusiasts. Its rich nutrient profile, particularly its vitamin C and antioxidant content, also makes it a valuable addition to your wellness routine. From enhancing your diet to supporting skin health, Karkalla offers both flavor and functionality.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.