Lemon balm is often used as a flavoring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies. It can be used in fish dishes and is the key ingredient in lemon balm pesto. It has been suggested that it might be a better, healthier preservative than beta hydroxy acid in sausages.
The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitoes.
Lemon balm is also used medicinally as an herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties
Lemon Balm grow to around 24 inches tall and looks like over-sized mint. After the last frost, plant in a sunny location. In some of the warmer zones, it will do better in partial shade, especially at mid-day. Whenever your plant is looking tired due to drought, hail, insects, or other stress, just cut it back and let it rejuvenate itself with fresh, new growth. Lemon balm likes rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Because it is harvested continually for lots of leaves, it needs a little fertilizer.
Harvesting, Drying and Storing
Harvest the leaves of this plant throughout the Summer and dry using your dehydrator. If you don't own a dehydrator, you can use a drying screen in a dark place. Store dehydrated leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Special Notes
Lemon balm may be considered a noxious weed or invasive plant in some areas. Lemon balm is drought tolerant and is useful in xeriscaping. Lemon balm is known to attract bees, butterflies and birds and has fragrant blossoms. Lemon balm self-sows freely; remove flowers (deadhead) if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following season.
