This project was tasked with identifying commercially viable Australian indigenous vegetables and Asian vegetables; assessing their consumer appeal through a range of consumer interactions, including sensory testing; and providing recommendations for industry to ensure the greatest likelihood of success in the market.

The research team advised that, from their assessment, “there is great opportunity and much potential around commercialising and expanding the distribution of both indigenous and Asian vegetables in the Australian market”, with “a large proportion of customers attracted to the ideas of purchasing these unique vegetables”.

The project evaluated a number of vegetables, including these indigenous ones:

• Native thyme
• Acacia seeds
• Lemon myrtle
• Pepperberry
• Saltbush
• Bush tomatoes
• Finger limes
• Australian spinach (Warrigal greens)
• Samphire

And these Asian vegetables:

• Amaranth (red spinach)
• Bitter melon
• Choy sum
• Daikon
• Gai lan
• Hairy melon
• Lotus root
• Okra
• Wombok

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund