As we transition into our sixth year on our farm, we’re filled with gratitude and joy. Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear none of this would have been possible without our wonderful community. So, we wanted to preface this newsletter with a big THANK YOU to all of you!
IT ALL BEGAN WITH A TREE CHANGE
Over several years, we developed a love of the Northern Rivers through regular trips to visit family. Every car trip back to Brisbane was spent perusing real estate sites with the dream of calling it home. As property prices continued to balloon, the dream seemed less and less likely with Nat declaring “I want to live here so badly…I don’t care if we live in a shed!”… Little did she know that’s exactly what we were going to do!
WE BOUGHT A FARM!
After a year and a half of inspections, declined offers and disappointment, we were introduced to a property in Blue Knob. Nestled adjacent to the dramatic landscape of the Border Ranges, it was a hidden gem that hadn’t appeared on our radar.
Years of neglect veiled some of the farm’s inherent beauty. The property was overgrown and a dangerously dilapidated ‘rat shack’ was a less-than-ideal option for accommodation (according to Nat). 45 acres of tall, dense grass concealed thousands of ailing finger lime trees.
It looked like a lot of work, but we had no idea the sheer scale of the project that we were about to undertake. As we bush bashed to the back of the block through grass higher than the Hilux, we were rewarded with the incredible views of Blue Knob, Lillian Rock, Mount Warning and the Border Ranges that surround the property. We instantly knew we were onto a winner.
BUDDING BUSH FOOD ENTHUSIASTS
One motivated seller meeting a motivated buyer meant we were suddenly finger lime farmers; a fruit we’d never heard of prior to stepping foot on the farm. With a background in equine nutrition and primary school teaching, we had little to no experience with farming. A history of barely keeping pot plants alive had more than a few friends raising their eyebrows at our choice of a career change.
The trees were in really rough shape. They were choked by 2m high grass, full of borer and covered in black sooty mould. As we dove headfirst into resurrecting the trees, we quickly discovered a passion for this incredibly unique citrus and other native Australian bush foods. Though, we’ll admit it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship with finger limes, as anyone who has dealt with them can attest they’re a “prick” of a plant to work with (long leather pruning gloves are essential!).
PEARLS OF AUSTRALIA
For those of you that don’t know, finger limes (Citrus australasica) are a citrus native to the sub-tropical rainforests of eastern Australia. They produce elongated, finger-shaped fruit, hence the name, but it’s the flesh of the fruit that makes them so unique.
Often referred to as "citrus caviar," finger limes are bursting with pearl-like vesicles that provide a delightful pop of tangy, citrusy flavour. They come in an array of amazing colours – from green to yellow, pink to red, and purple.
Packed with vitamin C, other antioxidants, and essential nutrients, finger limes offer numerous health benefits. Beyond their culinary appeal as a garnish for seafood, cocktails, and desserts, finger limes are gaining recognition in the skincare industry as a powerhouse ingredient for boosting hydration, reducing inflammation, relieving redness, and strengthening skin barrier function.
This versatile fruit embodies both the rich biodiversity and innovative potential of Australian bush foods. Check out our natural, native botanical skincare range enriched with the potent benefits of the finger lime from fruit cultivated and harvested right here on our farm!
THE CHALLENGES OF FARMING
Fast forward six years and it’s certainly been a challenge as we navigate our way through what it is to be farmers, resurrecting the limes, learning about pest and pasture management, nutrient schedules, irrigation, machinery operation, servicing/repairs, all while going through periods of drought, bushfire, pandemic, and floods.
Often we’re beet red in the face and drenched in sweat, but if anything, we’ve learned the value of resilience, perseverance, and patience. Our friends, family and local community have been a HUGE help, always offering to lend us a hand and acting as a sounding board for all the hairbrained schemes we’ve thrown ourselves at in an attempt to answer the “how do we make this farm profitable?” question.
THANK YOU!
To our wonderful customers, your support of our small business means the world to us!
As we look forward, we are excited to continue our journey with you all. Our mission is to showcase the incredible benefits native Australian botanicals have to offer. We’re passionate about crafting exquisite plant-powered skincare and bringing the beauty of our farm to you.
Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning and success at Bush Harvest Co.
In gratitude,
Nat & Matt
