The Greatest Methods to Use Lemon Balm at House (Plus 10 Recipes to Strive)

Each week we get Down & Soiled, through which we break down our favourite distinctive seasonal fruits, greens, and extra.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm (aka Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that’s a part of the mint household—yep, it would look and scent citrusy, nevertheless it’s truly an in depth cousin of shiso and peppermint. You’ll in all probability spot bundles of it at your native farmers market throughout the summer time months, and it’s recognized for its comfortable, barely crinkled leaves that launch a shiny, lemony aroma when rubbed. Although usually used contemporary, lemon balm can also be obtainable as an oil or extract, which could be added to meals or drinks. Analysis round its well being advantages continues to be rising (extra on that under), however its culinary potential is already well-loved in kitchens and gardens alike.

Thanks in no small half to Deborah Madison’s Vegetable Literacy, it has grow to be unimaginable for us to walk by means of a farmers market with out interested by which vegetables and fruit belong to which plant household. One have a look at lemon balm leaves—whether or not coarse and bushy in texture, arrowhead or heart-shaped, or scallop-edged—and also you’d possible guess that the plant belongs to the identical household as mint and shiso, reasonably than being a direct relative of the lemon fruit. And you would be proper. Yet one more intelligent deduction, this time from its title, and you may work out that this herb is lemon-scented. Some examine its lemony taste and aroma to that of furnishings polish (and, in reality, the leaves can be utilized to shine wooden), however you are in all probability higher off placing lemon balm to make use of in different methods. It’s a culinary wizard and much too prime to make use of rather than a countertop spray.

The Well being Advantages of Lemon Balm

This lemon-scented herb (which comes from the Lamiaceae household) is native to Europe and has lengthy been used as a culinary, medical, and beauty herb. It’s broadly thought of to have calming properties, is prized for its potential to cut back stress and nervousness, promote higher sleep, and ease indigestion and bloating, in response to Mount Sinai. Well being research have proven that lemon balm can enhance people’ sense of well-being, happiness, and application. 

Lemon balm (aka Melissa officinalis) has been used medicinally for a very long time to deal with all kinds of illnesses, mostly stress and nervousness. Analysis has considerably confirmed its calming impact, however you will in all probability choose up on it anecdotally, and we are able to virtually assure it will likely be a useful addition to your backyard. It is usually planted to draw bees and releases a nice lemony scent as you sweep up towards it. You’ll be able to even crush the leaves and rub them in your pores and skin as a mosquito deterrent. However that is not all: Lemon balm will grow to be a go-to herb in your kitchen, too. 

Learn how to Use Lemon Balm

As a basic rule of thumb, deal with lemon balm as you’ll some other contemporary herb. It really works particularly effectively rather than mint, providing shiny, aromatic notes. Add complete lemon balm leaves to inexperienced salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty taste. Lemon balm additionally pairs fantastically with poultry—strive including sliced leaves to hen salad, fish dishes, and even vegetable dishes to serve on the facet. In contrast to different herbs, you’re much less more likely to discover dried lemon balm within the spice and herb aisle of your grocery retailer (although you would possibly discover it in specialty well being shops and on-line). Give lemon balm tea a strive too; it’s simply as soothing as chamomile or lavender however with a stunning citrus taste.

Similar to mint or basil, you too can sweet lemon balm leaves and use the completed product as a crunchy, crystallized garnish over ice cream or tarts. It additionally works wonders in recipes that decision for lemon verbena (like these cookies)—however observe that lemon balm is not as intense, so modify the quantities as obligatory.

For a thirst-quenching sip, infuse water with lemon balm leaves, which you’ll be able to drink as is or use to create granita, a light-weight, icy dessert. In spite of everything, nothing is fancier than flavored water. When it comes time for joyful hour, “lemon balm makes a completely scrumptious liqueur,” says Greenstuff. Equally, infuse heavy cream with lemon balm leaves to make panna cotta or crème brûlée.  

Seasonality

Lemon balm grows in chilly climate and is in season all through the summer time into early fall. Wish to plant it your self? Select the sunniest spot you possibly can, although it could actually and can deal with a teeny little bit of shade. Water it regularly and watch because it grows practically two ft tall.

Different Types of Lemon Balm

Along with the contemporary herb, you too can eat lemon balm within the type of an oil or complement. Lemon balm oils could also be lower with water and vegetable glycerin, which simply makes it protected to eat orally or used immediately in your pores and skin. Whereas it isn’t a remedy for any diseases or ailments, it could actually act as an support to appease sore muscle tissues, cut back irritation, and even cut back the swelling and redness related to sure pores and skin situations like hen pox, eczema, or psoriasis. Search for natural lemon balm oil made with minimal components from a good retailer. Forward, we’re sharing some recipes that use lemon balm in 4 refreshing methods.

Our Favourite Lemon Balm Recipes

1. Okra Seed Couscous Salad

Okra seed “couscous” is a neat, nutty ingredient that shines on this loosely Mediterranean-inspired salad. Skinny slices of cucumbers are tossed with contemporary lemon balm, sumac powder, and feta cheese, plus the okra, for a light-weight summer time facet.

2. Cannellini Bean Croquettes

There’s not sufficient good issues we are able to say about these crispy, golden brown vegetarian bites. A handful of contemporary herbs corresponding to lemon balm perks up the strong vegetarian combination made with cannellini beans, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

3. The Sundown Palmer

Perk up a basic Arnold Palmer with a power-packed mix of contemporary lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena leaves, and lemon zest. Mix freshly brewed black tea with the lemon-herb combination for a cooling sip on a scorching day. Past this beverage, use lemon balm to make fancy ice cubes or a easy syrup to sweeten any drink.

4. Radish & Herb Salad With Sungold Tomatoes & Strawberries

Two cups of blended shiny herbs (suppose: lemon balm, dill, basil, and mint) are a stunning addition to this juicy summer time salad. The best dressing produced from yogurt and maple syrup introduces candy, creamy notes that coats every factor of this dish.

5. Contemporary Burrata & Grilled Peach Salad

This summery salad requires a mixture of “comfortable herbs”—suppose basil, mint, tarragon, or dill—to layer in freshness alongside juicy grilled peaches and creamy burrata. It’s the right place so as to add lemon balm to the combination. Its light lemony zing enhances the sweetness of the peaches and provides brightness to the entire dish. Simply tear a couple of leaves and scatter them excessive earlier than serving.

6. Fruit Salad

This grown-up spin on a basic fruit salad leans on juicy summer time fruit, a splash of St. Germaine, and a beneficiant scattering of soppy herbs to maintain issues attention-grabbing. The recipe encourages mixing in no matter herbs you will have readily available—so it’s the right alternative to toss in some contemporary lemon balm. 

7. Mint Limeade (With a Lemon Balm Twist)

You’ll be able to add lemon balm to any form of lemonade or limeade drink. Even when the recipe requires lemon mint, including lemon balm provides it an additional layer of citrus-mint complexity. Muddle it into the syrup base, or float a couple of leaves proper within the pitcher to subtly infuse.

8. Tea Thyme Soda (With Lemon Balm Easy Syrup!)

This refreshing selfmade cocktail soda will get its natural kick from a thyme-infused easy syrup, black tea, and lemon juice. To make it much more summery, strive steeping a couple of sprigs of lemon balm together with the thyme within the syrup.

9. Raspberry Lemon Balm Jam

One other wonderful means to make use of lemon balm? Do-it-yourself jam. This recipe pairs tart raspberries with contemporary lemon balm for a ramification that’s shiny, a bit of floral, and simply the correct amount of candy. The herb enhances the fruit’s pure taste with out overpowering it—excellent on toast, layered in a cake, or swirled into yogurt.

10. Macerated Summer time Fruit Shortcakes

This breezy summer time dessert options juicy macerated fruit spooned over tender shortcakes—and a intelligent use of the leftover juices to make a vibrant sauce. It requires mint or basil, however you possibly can simply sub in (or add!) lemon balm for a fragile citrusy twist. 

Editor’s Notice: This story was up to date in Might 2025 to inlcude much more lemon balm info and recipes. 

What are your favourite methods to make use of lemon balm? Inform us within the feedback!