Fresh herbs and salads catalog

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)** is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The plant typically reaches 70–150 cm in height, with leaves that carry a soft lemon fragrance reminiscent of mint. In summer, it produces small white, nectar‑rich flowers that attract bees, which is reflected in the genus name Melissa, derived from the Greek word for “honey bee.” Lemon balm is commonly used as a flavouring in ice cream and in herbal teas, both hot and iced, often blended with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit‑based dishes and sweets, and can be incorporated into fish preparations. The herb is the defining ingredient in lemon balm pesto, where its citrus‑mint aroma is especially prominent. Some studies have suggested that lemon balm may serve as a healthier alternative to beta hydroxy acid as a preservative in sausages, adding to its culinary versatility.

Read original article 
Wikipedia content is provided under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.