Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a versatile and beneficial herb that has many uses. Whether you're sipping on a calming cup of lemon balm tea, adding its fresh leaves to your favorite dishes, or using it as a natural insect repellent, this herb is a valuable addition to any garden or kitchen. At our organic farm in Arlington, VA, we grow and deliver fresh lemon balm alone or sometimes included in tea blends like our Recovery Tea.
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It's well-known for its lemon-scented leaves and its ability to thrive in various growing conditions. This bushy herb has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and culinary uses.
How to Prepare Lemon Balm
Lemon balm's bright, lemony flavor makes it a popular herb in various culinary applications. Here are some ways to use it in your kitchen:
Teas and Infusions:
Fresh or dried lemon balm leaves make a refreshing herbal tea. Combine with other herbs like mint or chamomile for a delicious tea blend.
Boil water: Bring water to a boil.
Add leaves: Place a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves into a teapot or mug.
Steep: Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy: Strain the leaves and enjoy your calming cup of lemon balm tea.
Salads Dressing:
Add chopped fresh lemon balm to salads, dressings, and marinades.
Chop fresh lemon balm: Finely chop lemon balm leaves (about 1 tablespoon).
Combine ingredients: Add chopped lemon balm, salt, and pepper to a cup of olive oil.
Additional options: You can add in other fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano, as well as a clove of garlic (minced).
Shake well and enjoy: Shake combined ingredients well and dress salads, or use as a marinade for meats or fish.
Lemon Balm Oil
You might be expecting a burst of lemony flavor with a name like “Lemon Balm”- but the star of the show in this oil is actually the benefits you get from the extraction of the lemon balm into the oil.
The benefits of lemon balm include stress reduction, digestive support, and anti-inflammatory properties to name a few. It’s an herb you won’t likely find at the grocery store but a wonderful one to include in your diet.
This oil would be great as part of a meat or vegetable marinade or swirled into a vinaigrette.
Lemon Balm Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup Lemon Balm oil
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1.5 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix ingredients together in a bowl with a whisk or put straight into a jar and shake until combined.
Freezing Lemon Balm:
Freezing locks in the fresh flavor of lemon balm so you can enjoy it year-round. It’s especially handy for teas, soups, or adding to dishes when you want that bright, lemony taste.
Chop or leave whole: Depending on how you’ll use them, you can freeze leaves whole or chopped.
Freeze in trays: Place the leaves in ice cube trays, cover with water, and freeze.
Store: Pop the cubes into a freezer bag for easy use later.
Drying Lemon Balm:
Drying brings out the herb’s gentle lemon flavor and makes it easy to store for months. Dried leaves are perfect for teas, sachets, or homemade seasoning blends.
Air-dry or oven-dry: Tie sprigs together and hang upside down in a cool, dry spot, or spread leaves on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven at the lowest setting.
Store: Once fully dried, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar away from light and heat.
Baked Goods:
Incorporate lemon balm into baked goods like muffins, cookies, and cakes for a hint of citrus flavor.
How to Use Lemon Balm as Insect Repellent
Lemon balm is not only great for culinary uses but also serves as a natural insect repellent. Here's how you can use it to keep those DC area mosquitoes away.
Fresh leaves: Rub fresh lemon balm leaves directly onto your skin. The essential oils in the leaves will help repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Infused spray: Make an insect repellent spray by infusing lemon balm leaves in water.
Boil water and pour it over a handful of lemon balm leaves.
Let it steep until the water cools.
Strain the leaves and pour the infused water into a spray bottle.
Use the spray on your skin or around outdoor areas to keep insects away.
Garden use: Plant lemon balm around your garden to naturally deter pests from your other plants. The strong scent of lemon balm can help keep unwanted insects away.
Lemon Balm Health Benefits
Lemon balm is more than just a flavorful herb.
Stress relief: Lemon balm has calming properties that can help reduce anxiety and stress. It's often used in teas and supplements to promote relaxation.
Digestive health: Lemon balm can soothe digestive issues like bloating and indigestion. It also has mild antispasmodic effects, which can help ease stomach cramps.
Cognitive function: Studies have shown that lemon balm can improve memory and concentration.
Lemon Balm Facts
Lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and improve appetite.
Ancient Greeks and Romans valued it for its ability to heal wounds and treat various ailments, including fevers and digestive issues.
In the Middle Ages, lemon balm was included in bridal bouquets for good luck and to symbolize love and happiness.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
