LEMON BALM

Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm is a pungent, perennial herb that has lots of uses. The leaves are used as a herb, in teas, and as a flavouring, it is also used medicinally and as an essential oil. Lemon balm is a low shrub with spreading habit, releases alluring lemony scent and its small white or yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies for pollination.

PLANT

Lemon balm can be planted from early spring to early summer.

HARVEST

Lemon balm takes around 10 weeks before you begin to harvest shoot tips. Harvest shoot tips regularly to encourage stems to branch out. Lemon balm can be harvested all year round but most flavoursome before the plant begins to flower.

EAt

Use lemon balm leaves like other herbs (similarly to mint) . They made a zesty addition to savoury or fruit salads.

PRESERVE

Dry the leaves using heat (oven or dehydrator) or hang them upside down. Once dry, keep leaves and stems intact until ready to use to retain maximum flavour.

RECIPES

Try something a little different with this lemon balm pesto.