lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Melissa is Greek word for bee - the white flowers attract them

  • COMMON NAMES

    Lemon Balm, Balm, Common Balm, Mint Balm

  • PLANT FAMILY

    Lamiaceae

    The Umbel Family

  • NATIVE REGION

    Native to Southern Europe.

  • HABITAT

    Prefers well draining soil in full sun.

  • CULTIVATION

    Annual, from seed

  • PARTS USED

    Leaf

PREPARATION

PROPERTIES: Volatile Oils & Flavonoids

FLAVOR PROFILE: Citrus. earthy, notes similar to mint.

PAIRING: Chamomile, chervil, thyme

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of hot water.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz honey; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup honey for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz vinegar; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup vinegar for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz spirit; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup spirit for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Dries quickly, air dry and do not apply additional heat to retain delicate volatile oil.