Karkalla.

Beach banana, pigface – whatever you call it, this native succulent adds a welcome salty hit and juicy crunch to fish dishes, salads and stir-fries.

WHAT IS IT?

Karkalla – also known as pigface and beach banana – is a succulent most commonly found among sand dunes and on cliff faces around the Australian coastline. One species, Disphyma crassifolia, has slender leaves that are plump, juicy, and more palatable than others. It grows further inland on salt flats and in clay.

WHY DO WE CARE?

With an increased focus on indigenous ingredients, karkalla has come to the fore thanks to its unique f leshy texture and light salty f lavour. Kylie Kwong uses it in elegant stir-fries, while it has also been spotted on the menus at Cirrus and Quay among other fine-diners. The briny f lavour of karkalla makes it a no-brainer for fish dishes or raw in salads for added texture.

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

Although karkalla is common in the wild, foraging for it is illegal. Cultivated karkalla is of better quality, and can be found at growers’ markets, select greengrocers and Outback Pride Fresh (outbackpridefresh.com.au).