Eating Fresh Lemon Balm: Simple and Flavorful
Fresh lemon balm leaves are the most potent and flavorful, making them perfect for raw applications. Their mild citrus aroma and taste can enhance both sweet and savory dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Salads and Garnishes
Add a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves to your favorite salads for a burst of citrusy flavor.
- Fruit Salads: Finely chiffonade the leaves and toss them with mixed berries, melons, and citrus fruits.
- Green Salads: Toss whole leaves with spinach, cucumber, and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
- Garnish: Use small, delicate leaves as a garnish for desserts, fruit tarts, or creamy dishes like panna cotta.
Refreshing Infused Drinks
Lemon balm can be used to create bright, flavorful beverages that are perfect for warm weather.
- Infused Water: Place several sprigs of lemon balm in a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and cucumber for a spa-like drink.
- Herbal Tea: Follow a simple recipe to brew a calming lemon balm tea, which can be enjoyed hot or iced.
- Cocktails and Wine: Add a few sprigs to a carafe of white wine or muddle the leaves for a zesty cocktail base.
Compound Butter and Desserts
Extend the use of fresh lemon balm by incorporating it into different spreads and sweets.
- Herb Butter: Chop fresh leaves and mix them with softened butter, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Use this flavorful compound butter on toast or steamed vegetables like corn and asparagus.
- Dessert Toppings: Mince the leaves and add them to whipped cream, sorbet, or ice cream for a unique, refreshing twist.
Cooking with Lemon Balm: Savory Dishes
While best known fresh, lemon balm also adds a delicate lemony note to a variety of cooked dishes, where it can be used as a substitute for lemon zest.
Stuffings, Marinades, and Sauces
- Poultry Stuffing: Add fresh lemon balm leaves to stuffing for roast chicken or turkey, imparting a subtle, bright flavor.
- Fish Marinades: Use chopped lemon balm in marinades or as a garnish for fish dishes.
- Sauces: Stir minced lemon balm into light sauces to serve with seafood or vegetables.
Soups and Pesto
Lemon balm can be a great addition to your go-to herbal recipes, offering a unique flavor profile.
- Soups: Similar to mint, lemon balm can be added to the end of the cooking process in some brothy or creamy soups to add a fresh finish.
- Pesto: Blend fresh lemon balm leaves with pine nuts or almonds, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice for a zesty, flavorful pesto. Serve this pesto with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip.
Delicious Lemon Balm Recipes to Try
Classic Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 cups filtered water
- Honey or sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse fresh leaves and gently crush them to release oils.
- Bring water to a simmer, not a full boil.
- Remove from heat, add the lemon balm, cover, and steep for 7-10 minutes.
- Strain the leaves and sweeten with honey if desired.
Zesty Lemon Balm Pesto
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse garlic and nuts until coarsely ground.
- Add lemon balm, lemon juice, and pulse again to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil with the processor running until smooth.
- Add Parmesan and pulse until just combined. Season to taste.
Comparison of Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm
| Feature | Fresh Lemon Balm | Dried Lemon Balm | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Strong and vibrant citrus-mint flavor | Significantly milder, herbal flavor | n | Potency | Highest concentration of volatile oils | Volatile oils dissipate when dried | n | Best Uses | Salads, desserts, infused waters, garnishes | Tea, tinctures, herbal extracts | n | Storage | Use immediately or within a few days; can freeze | Store in an airtight container away from light |
| Preparation | Gently crush or chop leaves to release oils | Steep in hot water to extract remaining flavor | n |
Safety and Best Practices
While generally safe for consumption, especially in culinary amounts, a few best practices ensure you get the most from your lemon balm.
Harvesting and Processing
- Harvesting: Pick fresh leaves in the late morning after the dew has evaporated but before the intense midday sun.
- Washing: Gently rinse and pat leaves dry before use.
- Drying: To dry, place leaves in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated area or use a dehydrator on a low setting. Direct sunlight reduces potency.
Health and Medicinal Considerations
- Medicinal Doses: If using for medicinal purposes, such as anxiety relief, higher doses via tea or tinctures are common.
- Medical Advice: Consult a medical professional before using lemon balm medicinally, especially if you have a thyroid condition, as it may affect thyroid levels.
For more in-depth recipes and gardening tips, the University of Tennessee Gardens offers extensive information on growing and using herbs.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Versatile Herb
From a simple, soothing cup of tea to a zesty pesto or a delightful garnish, lemon balm is a versatile and flavorful herb that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire. Whether you're growing it in your garden or purchasing it fresh, understanding the difference between fresh and dried applications will help you maximize its unique lemon-mint notes. By incorporating lemon balm into your cooking, you can add a touch of freshness and a host of potential health benefits to your everyday meals. Experiment with these simple methods to discover your favorite way to enjoy this remarkable herb.
