Lemon Balm Tea: Fresh From the Garden to Your Cup
Lemon balm is a fragrant member of the mint family, loved for its bright lemon scent and easy-growing nature. It thrives in gardens, containers, and herb beds, often producing more leaves than a gardener knows what to do with.
Fortunately, one of the best ways to enjoy lemon balm is also one of the simplest.
What You’ll Need
- A handful of fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
Method
- Harvest fresh, healthy leaves.
- Rinse gently if needed.
- Place the leaves in a cup or teapot.
- Pour over freshly boiled water.
- Allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve.
Enjoy It Hot or Cold
Lemon balm tea can be enjoyed warm on a cool day or chilled over ice during warmer weather. A slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey makes a lovely addition.
Growing Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is easy to grow and adapts well to most gardens. Once established, it often returns year after year and provides a steady supply of fragrant leaves throughout the growing season.
Harvesting Tips
Pick leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. This is when the aromatic oils are often at their most fragrant.
Meadowfield Tip
Don’t stop at tea. Fresh lemon balm leaves can also be added to fruit salads, infused into water, stirred into homemade syrups, or frozen in ice cubes for summer drinks.