Selection and storage
Fresh lemon herb leaves can be available all around the year. The herb can be grown in much similar like other Mentheae tribe herbs like peppermint,
savory, oregano, etc. It can be grown in pots, as a garden herb, or cultivated on a larger scale as a field crop for the purpose of extraction of essential oils.
In the herbal stores, sweet balm leaves; fresh or dried can be readily available. Choose fresh balm with firm stems and leaves without any dark spots.
Store fresh leaves for short-term use in a plastic bag inside the home refrigerator, and dry leaves in air-seal containers.
Once at home, wash the leaves in clean running water, and pat dry using an absorbent towel.
Preparation of lemon balm tea
To make an infusion, loosely fill the cup with a handful of roughly chopped fresh leaves of balm mint. Add (150 ml) of hot water, and steep for 10-12 minutes. You can also put a teaspoonful of dried leaves instead. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Lemon balm is often combined with other soothing herbs, such as verbena, chamomile, and hibiscus, to relieve depression and calm mood.
In addition to popular tisane, lemon balm can also be much sought after in cooking as a potherb, garnish, and flavoring drink.
It is added in small amounts, chopped, or ground (paste) to recipes at the last moments of cooking to retain its flavor and prevent the evaporation of essential oils.
Here are some serving tips:
-
Its fresh leaves are used to impart a refreshing lemony flavor to drinks, teas, and fruit juices.
-
Lemon balm is used fresh or dried. It is a good accompaniment to pungent, bitter foods.
-
The herb is highly sought after by chefs to flavor curries, soups, and sauces.
-
Frsh leaves employed in vegetable and fruit salads, stuffing, bean dishes, and marinades for meat, poultry, and seafood.
-
The herb is also employed in many Northern European countries to flavor and marinate seafood, eel, and herring.
Safety profile
Consumption of lemon balm tea is considered safe in children and pregnant women in moderate quantities. It may alter the dosage of medications in patients on anti-thyroid and sedative drugs. People on these medications should consult a physician before taking lemon balm. (Medical disclaimer).
≻≻-Read Health benefits of Chamomile tea.
≻≻-Read Health benefits of Rooibos tea.
≻≻-Back to Herbal teas from Lemon Balm tea. Visit here
for an impressive list of all variety of herbal tea with complete illustrations of their nutrition facts and health benefits.
≻≻-Back to Home page.
Further Resources:
-
USDA National Nutrient Database. (opens in new window).
-
Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page-Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk (Link opens in new window).
-
University of Maryland Medical center-Lemon balm (Link opens in new window).