Herbs for Health Recipes: Refreshing Lemon Balm

Herbs for Health Recipes: Refreshing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, that charming herb with its sunny fragrance and citrusy kick, often hides in the back corner of herb gardens. But this unassuming plant deserves a starring role on your plate! Its versatility goes beyond a simple garnish, and its bright flavour can transform familiar dishes into culinary adventures.

Source: Daily Tea Time

Start your love affair with lemon balm with a classic: Honey Lemon Balm Tea. Steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for a soothing brew, perfect for winding down after a long day. If you're feeling fancy, add a slice of ginger or a honey drizzle for extra comfort.

Honey Lemon Balm Tea

Ingredients:

  • Lemon Balm
  • Filtered Water
  • Honey
  • Lemon Slices
  • Ginger Slices

Instructions:

Step 1

Prepare your tea leaves by rinsing and patting them dry. You can give the leaves a small chop if desired. This just aids in releasing the flavors.

Step 2

Add lemon balm leaves and ginger slices to the teapot (use an infuser if desired) and pour hot water over the tea and cover the teapot with a lid.

Step 3

Allow the tea to steep for 5 -10 minutes.

Step 4

Strain out tea or remove the infuser if using.

Step 5

Pour the tea into a tea cup and add honey and lemon if desired.

pesto sauce herb health lemon balm

Source: Vintage Kitty

Moving on to savory, pesto is where lemon balm truly shines. Swap out basil for its citrusy cousin and create a vibrant green sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled chicken, or even veggie burgers. Add a handful of chopped nuts, parmesan cheese, and a good glug of olive oil, and blitz it into a vibrant condiment that brings any dish to life.

Lemon Balm Pesto Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves firmly packed
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 TB lemon juice
  • 1 tsp fresh chives
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Step 2
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3
Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Lemon balm is a low-maintenance herb that thrives in pots or gardens. Its fast-growing nature means you'll always have a fresh supply on hand. So, plant some lemon balm plant at home and let it run wild in your garden. Embrace the endless possibilities of this versatile herb!

With a little creativity, lemon balm can become your kitchen's secret weapon. So, grab a handful, unleash its fragrant potential, and get ready to add a sunny zest to your culinary creations!

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Bonus Read:

More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Stay tuned for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

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