The Joys of Lemon Balm

Hello All! Gin, plant guru, here to share one of my new favorites with you...

This past month I have been settling into my little farm house in the country, and each day I find surprises in my yard and home, some more pleasant than others. Last week I caught a snake in my bathroom (non-pleasant), and also found a huge bush of lemon balm planted under my living room window (extremely pleasant).

Last summer I decided to start a little herb pot on my apartment balcony and bought lemon balm to try. I was intrigued by the strong but sweet smell of lemon that came from the leaves. Not only did it produce multiple leaves, but did wonderful in a pot AND survived the heat! It was beyond easy to take care of, and when planted in the yard, pops up every spring on its own. Never hearing of lemon balm or seeing it before, I did a little research and found a plethora of information on this delightful little herb.

Here are some lemon balm facts:

1. Lemon balm is a hardy perennial herb (meaning it will come back next year) that is drought tolerant and does well in the yard or in a planter.

2. Lemon balm is a natural mosquito repellant…fabulous!

3.  Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and can be used in cooking, drinks and home remedies.

4. The essential oils found in the leaves have caffeic and ferulic acid which contain antioxidants. The oils can also help soothe upset stomach as well as calm nerves.

The smell of the tiny leaves alone is a good reason to plant this herb, but I discovered so many things to use it in! 

Lemon Balm Iced Tea

10 Cups of boiling water

5-6 bags of black tea (I find that this tea is stronger than others, so I use less bags)

3 tablespoons of honey (This is by no means a measurement of sweetness if you are used to “southern sweet tea”…I like a subtle hint if it!)

10-12 leaves of lemon balm

Place all ingredients in pitcher and let steep for about 7 minutes. Pour over ice and garnish with a few leaves of lemon balm.

Lemon Balm Gin & Tonic

2 oz. gin

5 oz. tonic water

3 leaves of lemon balm (torn in half to release oil)

1 lime wedge

Pour ingredients of ice and stir well.  Tasty and smells like summertime!

Hot Lemon Balm Tea

4-5 lemon balm leaves

1 cup boiling water

1/2 teaspoon of honey if desired

Let steep for about 5 minutes.

Also try lemon balm in these:

·         Add to any sugar cookie dough recipe to add color and subtle lemon flavor

·         Bake with fish or roast chicken

·         Rub leaves on picnic table to keep pesky flies away

·          Add to salads, marinades, and salad dressings for a bright, fresh flavor

·         Steep leaves in water overnight, add to spray bottle for a refreshing after- shower spray

The uses for this herb are endless not to mention beneficial… who can resist the sweet smell of lemon?  I have found so much joy in this herb I knew so little about, and I hope you do to! 

~Gin

This is Heather popping in to the post. Gin's new Etsy shop has launched! Remember her awesome post about succulents and the adorable pots she used? You can find pots in this fashion at Gin'O Ceramics. Be sure to check it out!