Each week we get Down & Soiled, wherein 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 odor citrusy, however it’s really a detailed 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 gentle, barely crinkled leaves that launch a shiny, lemony aroma when rubbed. Although typically used contemporary, lemon balm can be out there as an oil or extract, which might be added to meals or drinks. Analysis round its well being advantages remains 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 turn into not possible for us to walk by way of a farmers market with out eager about which fruit and veggies belong to which plant household. One take a look at lemon balm leaves—whether or not coarse and furry 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, slightly than being a direct relative of the lemon fruit. And you would be proper. Yet one more intelligent deduction, this time from its identify, and you will determine 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 extensively thought of to have calming properties, is prized for its skill to cut back stress and anxiousness, promote higher sleep, and ease indigestion and bloating, in accordance with Mount Sinai. Well being research have proven that lemon balm can improve 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 anxiousness. Analysis has considerably confirmed its calming impact, however you will in all probability choose up on it anecdotally, and we will virtually assure will probably be a useful addition to your backyard. It is typically planted to draw bees and releases a pleasing lemony scent as you sweep up towards it. You possibly can even crush the leaves and rub them in your pores and skin as a mosquito deterrent. However that is not all: Lemon balm will turn into a go-to herb in your kitchen, too. 

The right way to Use Lemon Balm

As a normal rule of thumb, deal with lemon balm as you’ll another contemporary herb. It really works particularly nicely 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 superbly with poultry—attempt including sliced leaves to hen salad, fish dishes, and even vegetable dishes to serve on the aspect. In contrast to different herbs, you’re much less prone to discover dried lemon balm within the spice and herb aisle of your grocery retailer (although you may discover it in specialty well being shops and on-line). Give lemon balm tea a attempt too; it’s simply as soothing as chamomile or lavender however with a beautiful citrus taste.

Identical to mint or basil, it’s also possible to 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 needed.

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 lightweight, icy dessert. In spite of everything, nothing is fancier than flavored water. When it comes time for glad hour, “lemon balm makes a fully 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. Need to plant it your self? Select the sunniest spot you’ll be able to, although it may possibly and can deal with a teeny little bit of shade. Water it often and watch because it grows practically two toes tall.

Different Types of Lemon Balm

Along with the contemporary herb, it’s also possible to devour lemon balm within the type of an oil or complement. Lemon balm oils could also be reduce with water and vegetable glycerin, which simply makes it protected to devour orally or used instantly in your pores and skin. Whereas it isn’t a remedy for any diseases or illnesses, it may possibly act as an help to assuage sore muscular tissues, cut back irritation, and even cut back the swelling and redness related to sure pores and skin circumstances 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 lightweight summer time aspect.

2. Cannellini Bean Croquettes

There’s not sufficient good issues we will say about these crispy, golden brown vegetarian bites. A handful of contemporary herbs comparable 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 combined shiny herbs (suppose: lemon balm, dill, basil, and mint) are a beautiful addition to this juicy summer time salad. The best dressing constituted of yogurt and maple syrup introduces candy, creamy notes that coats every ingredient of this dish.

5. Recent Burrata & Grilled Peach Salad

This summery salad requires a mixture of “gentle herbs”—suppose basil, mint, tarragon, or dill—to layer in freshness alongside juicy grilled peaches and creamy burrata. It’s the proper place so as to add lemon balm to the combo. Its light lemony zing enhances the sweetness of the peaches and provides brightness to the entire dish. Simply tear a number 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 sentimental herbs to maintain issues fascinating. The recipe encourages mixing in no matter herbs you’ve got readily available—so it’s the proper alternative to toss in some contemporary lemon balm. 

7. Mint Limeade (With a Lemon Balm Twist)

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

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

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

9. Raspberry Lemon Balm Jam

One other smart way to make use of lemon balm? Selfmade jam. This recipe pairs tart raspberries with contemporary lemon balm for a selection that’s shiny, a little bit floral, and simply the correct quantity 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’ll be able to simply sub in (or add!) lemon balm for a fragile citrusy twist. 

Editor’s Word: This story was up to date in Could 2025 to inlcude much more lemon balm data and recipes. 

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