Muntries

Muntries  (Kunzea pomifera)are a low-growing native shrub from southern Australia, prized for their small, flavour-packed berries. Traditionally harvested by Aboriginal people for food and trade, these berries are now gaining popularity in modern cuisine for their high antioxidant content and delicious taste. Muntries are an excellent addition to bush food gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and edible rewards.

Growing Conditions

• Climate:  Native to coastal and semi-arid regions of SA and VIC.Prefers a warm and semi-arid climate

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to part shade.

• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH.

• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. Doesn't like 'wet feet'

• Growth Habit: A low-growing, spreading groundcover (15–30 cm high, spreading over 2+ metres), often used for erosion control.

Growing Tips

• Spacing: Space about 1–2 metres apart if planting as groundcover.

• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pollination: Flowers are pollinated by native bees and insects. Cross-pollination improves fruit yield.

• Pruning: Light pruning can encourage denser growth and more fruiting.

Food Uses

• Berries: Muntries produce small green to reddish-purple berries in late summer to autumn. The flavour is sweet with a spicy, apple-like tang — often described as a mix between sultanas and cranberries.

• Raw or Cooked: Can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked into a wide range of products.

• Culinary Use: Ideal for jams, sauces, chutneys, baked goods, and desserts. Also pairs well with game meats and cheese.

• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and dietary fibre.

Fun Fact

Muntries contain up to four times more antioxidants than blueberries, making them not just a delicious native food but also a superfood with impressive health benefits!