A love of growing, herbs and traditional plant preparations is behind Daphne’s Pantry, a new stall bringing an interesting mix of fresh produce, herbal teas, botanical balms, handmade soaps and bath products to the market.

Daphne grows and harvests herbs and botanicals on her property, while also using ingredients sourced from other local growers and producers. Her passion for herbalism has developed into a range that celebrates plants in all their forms – from fresh roots and vegetables, to teas, infused oils, soaps and balms.

The fresh produce is well worth exploring. Depending on the harvest, you might find taro, yacon, choko, purple yam, tamarillo, cassava, daikon and fresh burdock, along with other seasonal produce. It’s a great chance to discover some of the less-common vegetables and root crops grown in our region.

Daphne’s herbal teas include blends created for relaxation, digestion and general wellbeing, as well as her ‘Lung Loving’ blend featuring mullein and other herbs. She also incorporates locally grown ingredients, including ginger from Toby’s farm, and harvests plants such as milky oats herself.

Another highlight is her range of botanical tallow balms. Daphne carefully renders grass-fed tallow before infusing it with calendula flowers for 24 to 36 hours. She also incorporates calendula-infused macadamia oil and chamomile, choosing not to add essential oils to the balms.

Home-grown botanicals feature in her handmade soaps too. Lemon myrtle grows abundantly on the property and is infused into coconut oil, while powdered lemon myrtle adds texture to some of the soaps. Daphne even grows her own loofahs, incorporating the natural sponge into some bars for gentle exfoliation.

There’s more on the way, with Daphne experimenting with new creations including a nettle and chamomile face cream and a comfrey balm inspired by a special recipe passed down to her.

Daphne’s Pantry brings together unusual fresh produce, home-grown botanicals, locally sourced ingredients and handmade products in one fascinating stall.

You can find Daphne’s Pantry every Friday morning from 7am to 11am at Mullumbimby Farmers Market.