Lemon Balm - Ideas
Melissa officinalis
As seen on the Sonoran Living program.

Lemon Balm is among the most fragrant of herbs. It is a beautiful perennial that grows in a mound 1-2 feet high. Just rubbing up against it gives you an invigorating lemon fresh scent. Plant it close to the kitchen, for it is an herb with many uses.

As a medicinal herb, Lemon Balm is known for it’s nourishment of the nervous system.

It has been said that it can lighten up a heavy heart, a disheartened soul. It is safe to use with children to calm them as well as elders.

As a culinary herb, Lemon Balm can be used any where a lemon flavor is desired. I have given you several ideas below, but let your imagination soar. It is hard to go wrong with it’s refreshing flavor.

Lemon Dijon Mayonnaise:
Mix 2/3 cup mayonnaise with 1/3 cup Dijon mustard. Add chopped chives and chopped lemon balm to desired taste.

Lemon Tuna Salad
Blend tuna with mayo, lemon balm, chives, salt and pepper (and/or use garlic salt).

Salsa
Add chopped lemon balm to your salsa along with fresh cilantro and avocado.

Tea
Make your usual black tea (or herbal tea), but add a big handful of crushed lemon balm leaves (on small stems) to it before steeping. Strain and serve hot or iced.

Salad
Toss it into your favorite salad.