How to Harvest and Use Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is an herb belonging to the mint family. It has a distinct lemon flavor that can be used in recipes as a substitute for lemon peel. Lemon balm also has a distinct lemon aroma that makes it an enjoyable addition to any herb garden.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. When to Harvest Lemon Balm

   You can harvest a few leaves of lemon balm any time. For large cuttings, leave the 4 inches above the soil surface. Lemon balm can be harvested several times each season. The fresh leaves can be used in sauces, salads, vegetable dishes, stuffing and as a garnishment at mealtime.

2. Drying Lemon Balm

   Lemon Balm leaves tend to darken and lose their scent when dried. Spread the lemon balm leaves out on a flat surface or hang upside down from the stems. Make sure they are in a well ventilated location away from any sunlight. The ideal temperature for drying lemon balm is 85 to 95 degrees. Dried lemon balm is an excellent addition to herbal teas or can be used in potpourris. The leaves can also be added to a warm bath to add a relaxing aroma.

3. Freezing Lemon Balm

   Fresh lemon balm leaves can be frozen in ice cubes, or in oils and butters.

Resources

• How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
• More Lemon Balm Uses