Wednesday, July 03, 2013

From My Herb Garden: Lemon Balm



 One of my preferred sections of my garden is my herb patch. I planted it fairly close to the house so I can dash out and clip herbs as I cook. Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis) grows there, but it also seeds itself all over the yard. I yank it out regularly. Still, it's a pretty plant, and its tendency to wander is likely because of its family connections - related to mint. 

It's a useful plant as well. I dry leaves during the summer and in the winter, I throw a handful into a teapot, pour boiling water over, let steep and enjoy a lemony mint tea. The plant is said to have a calming effect. 


It can also be used in many of the same recipes as mint. We're enjoying warm days here - unusual for so early in the summer. I'm not complaining in the least, in fact, I'm soaking up the heat. But that doesn't mean that I want to spend much time in the kitchen. This Avocado Soup is one I've made for several years. It's creamy, refreshing, and takes about 5 minutes to pull together. And it uses lemon balm - or mint, if you prefer. 



A pitcher of cold water, with lemon slices and a few sprigs of lemon balm is a refreshing item to have in the refrigerator.

Does Lemon Balm grow in your garden? What do you use it for? I'd love to discover some new recipes.

16 comments:

  1. Must try some of the infused waters...I have no lemon balm, though I do have mint...I have mineral water and some lemon...I'm going to give it a try. It looks so refreshing. I have grown lemon balm in pots before...perhaps I need a pot. I should head out to the greenhouse and see what's available.

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  2. I have no lemon balm either. I do have some mint growing in a pot!!! Love to throw it in iced tea or Mojitos!!! Enjoy the heat!!! We are having a rare low humidity day here on the Gulf Coast! It's delightful!

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  3. Mint and Lemon Balm grow here like weeds. I love to rub the leaves, releasing the fragrance, as I go around the garden. I'll have to try that avocado soup!

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  4. I think I might have a wild lemon balm plant that grows by our shop. It always comes back no matter how far we cut it back. It looks like mint but has a citrus smell, too. Now maybe I'll be inspired to use it for something besides garnish!

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  5. I grow lemon balm - well, it refuses not to grow, actually - but I’ve never known what to do with it other than put it into a cold drink.
    I shall make lemon balm tea, thanks for the hint.

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  6. We have both mint (three types) and lemon balm. I LOVE their delightfully refreshing fragrance but haven't used them much. Perhaps it is time...
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  7. My lemon balm has grown into a lovely round shrub and I only use it to bulk out my flower vases or brush against it for the aroma. I will certainly give the tea a go at the weekend. Chel x

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  8. My dh just built our first raised garden box and we put some herbs in to grow. One is Lemon Balm. Daughters are making sure all my babies, I mean plants, are being well looked after. Anxious to see how it's done while we've been away. Thank you for sharing the ideas of what to do with it!

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  9. I often pop a few tiny leaves into a fruit salad, so refreshing.

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  10. Yum...to the avacado soup. I have lemon balm in my herb garden...and mostly use it for garnishes. You gave me a few new ideas.

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  11. I used to grow lemon balm and I loved adding it to my iced tea in the summertime.

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  12. I have lemon balm going crazy in the back garden - started it several years ago in a raised bed and then it escaped and is showing up all over - it's pretty though! I use it for garnishes mostly but will try the tea.

    Thanks for the soup recipe Lorrie - sounds delicious and I will definitely try it soon on a hot Summer's eve.

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  13. I also grow lemon balm, but haven't used if for much besides adding it to flower bouquets. Your soup looks so pretty. I love avocado so I think I need to try it. Thanks so much for sharing. Also, I do like the idea of the infused water.

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  14. I do have lemon balm and I love it! But I rarely use it....I really should at least do the simple thing of putting some sprigs in a pitcher of water. I have a recipe for ice cream made with it - yum!

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  15. I haven't had lemon balm for a few years and when I did, I only used it for rubbing it, smelling my fingers, and enjoying it! Like most of my herbs! They are underused but NOT underappreciated!

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  16. The soup looks good. Must try that with my Lemon balm. I have only thought about having it hot.

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