Lemon Balm

What it looks like

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This is our lemon balm July 21 2006, that I planted as seed at the end of April 2006:

The leaves are very deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish green in color, depending on the soil and climate. The plant has fine hairs and a lemony scent when crushed

Type

It is a perennial.

Height

It grows up to about three feet in height.

Flowers

It has clusters of small light yellowy white flowers.

Blooms

Blooms from July to August.

Uses

It can be used to flavour sweet drinks. The leaves can be used to decorate fish dishes, or poultry dishes. it can be used to add flavour to apple based desserts. It is considered a calming hereb.

Taste

As its' name suggests, it has a lemon taste.

How to use

Gather the leaves, flowers and stems as soon as the flowers begin to open. It is best used fresh rather than dried and the flavor will be brighter if added near the end the cooking process.

How to grow

Lemon balm is native to Europe but is cultivated worldwide and especially in the USA.