Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of lemon balm! Known for its refreshing scent and vibrant flavour, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a versatile herb that deserves a place in your culinary and self-care endeavours. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of lemon balm, from its culinary applications in food and drink recipes to its additional uses, including a soothing lip salve. Whether you’re a seasoned herbal enthusiast or just beginning your exploration of natural remedies, this article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips.
Unveiling the Benefits of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa, has a long-standing history as a medicinal and culinary herb. Rich in essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, lemon balm offers several potential health benefits. These include calming effects, improved digestion, enhanced cognitive function, and support for a healthy immune system. Its pleasant lemony aroma adds a refreshing touch to any recipe, making it a favourite among herbalists and chefs alike.
Culinary Delights with Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm Infused Water
Stay hydrated in style with a refreshing twist. Infuse water with a handful of lemon balm leaves for a revitalizing beverage that boasts a mild citrus flavour and a calming effect. Perfect for a hot summer’s day or a post-workout recharge.
Lemon Balm Pesto
Put a zesty twist on traditional pesto by incorporating lemon balm into the mix. Blend fresh lemon balm leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a vibrant and aromatic pesto. Pair it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a flavourful dip for fresh vegetables. It can be used in place of the lemon zest in our Wild Garlic & Lemon Pesto.
Lemon Balm Lemonade
Elevate your classic lemonade by infusing it with lemon balm. Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey or your preferred sweetener, and a handful of lemon balm leaves. Chill, garnish with lemon slices and sprigs of lemon balm, and enjoy a refreshing, citrusy delight.
Lemon Balm Sorbet
Cool down on a hot day with a homemade lemon balm sorbet. Blend lemon balm leaves with sugar syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Freeze the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth, icy consistency. Serve in chilled bowls for a delightful and palate-cleansing dessert.
Lemon Balm Tea
Enjoy the soothing properties of lemon balm in a warm cup of tea. Steep fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for a few minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey or a natural sweetener of your choice. Savour the calming effects and the delightful citrus aroma as you sip your way to relaxation.
Lemon Balm Cookies
Add a citrusy twist to your baking adventures with lemon balm cookies. Incorporate chopped lemon balm leaves into your favourite cookie dough recipe for a refreshing and aromatic treat. The bright flavour of lemon balm adds a delightful twist to classic cookies.
Additional Uses for Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm Lip Salve
Harness the moisturizing and soothing properties of lemon balm to create a nourishing lip salve. Infuse lemon balm leaves in olive oil or coconut oil for several weeks. Strain the oil and mix it with beeswax for a creamy consistency. Apply to lips for a natural and fragrant balm that helps keep them soft and protected.
Lemon Balm Facial Steam
Indulge in a rejuvenating facial steam infused with lemon balm. Boil water, add lemon balm leaves, and cover your head with a towel, allowing the steam to gently cleanse and refresh your skin. This practice can help open pores, purify your complexion, and leave you with a radiant glow.
Relaxing Bath time
Create a blissful and relaxing bath experience by adding dried lemon balm leaves to your bathwater. The aromatic properties of lemon balm will help calm your mind and body, promoting a sense of tranquillity and well-being.
Aromatherapy
Harness the uplifting and stress-relieving benefits of lemon balm through aromatherapy. Add a few drops of lemon balm essential oil to a diffuser or mix it with a carrier oil for a calming massage. Breathe in the citrusy scent to uplift your mood and ease tension.
Infused Oil
Lemon Balm Infused Oil Make your own lemon balm-infused oil for culinary and cosmetic purposes. Place fresh lemon balm leaves in a clean glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil. Allow the mixture to infuse for a few weeks, then strain out the leaves. The resulting oil can be used for cooking, salad dressings, or as a moisturizing and aromatic body oil.
Conclusion
Lemon balm is undoubtedly a versatile herb that offers a plethora of culinary possibilities and self-care applications. From delightful recipes like infused water, pesto, lemonade, sorbet, tea, roasted chicken, and cookies to additional uses like lip salve, facial steam, relaxing baths, aromatherapy, and infused oil, this remarkable herb is a treasure trove of benefits. Incorporate lemon balm into your daily routine and unlock the natural wonders it has to offer. Embrace the zest, the aroma, and the tranquillity that lemon balm brings, and let your culinary adventures and self-care rituals flourish.
Lemon Balm & Elderflower Mojito
Course: DrinksCuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy1
servings2
minutes100
kcalIngredients
6-8 Fresh Lemon Balm leaves
Juice of half a lemon
10g Sugar
30ml Elderflower Cordial
100ml Sparkling Water
2 shots (50 ml) of white rum.
Crushed Ice
Directions
- Muddle (sort of gently crushing together) the sugar, lemon balm leaves and lemon juice.
- Add to glass along with a small handful of the crushed ice.
- Add the elderflower cordial and stir together.
- Add the rum.
- Top with the sparkling water and garnish with a lemon balm sprig.
Notes
- The smaller leaves on lemon balm are newer and less tough than older leaves.
- Leave out the rum to make a virgin mojito.
- If you wish you can replace the elderflower cordial with an elderflower liqueur for an extra boozy kick.
