To enjoy its vitalizing scent, growing lemon balm is definitely worth it. The hardy shrub with the pretty white flowers of course has much more to offer. You can eat the velvety, soft leaves. Find out the delicious details here.
Is lemon balm edible and what dishes is it used in?
Lemon balm is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or candied as a he althy snack. It refines both sweet and savory dishes, especially salads, whipped cream, fish dishes, lamb, marinades and chutneys. However, the leaves should not be cooked to preserve their taste.
Snack lemon balm leaves pure or candied – this is how it works
Shortly before flowering, the content of valuable ingredients in lemon balm is at its peak. If you harvest the leaves in the early hours of the morning and eat them fresh from the branch, you will experience the ultimate freshness kick. If you want to surprise your children with he althy treats, simply candy a few lemon balm leaves. This is how it works:
- Bring 125 grams of sugar to the boil with 100 milliliters of water and let it cool down
- rinse fresh lemon balm with cold water
- dip each leaf into the sugar solution
- lay out on baking paper in the oven at 50 degrees and let it dry
What the children don't eat straight away is stored in an airtight container for later.
Gourmets eat lemon balm in so many different ways
Hobby gardeners enjoy the privilege of being able to eat fresh lemon balm leaves during the summer. Only fresh from the branch, the herbs contain the inimitable aroma that makes the hearts of gourmets beat faster. The list of sweet and savory dishes in which lemon balm is used as a seasoning is long. The following examples may serve as inspiration:
- as a refreshing garnish on salads
- chopped with whipped cream and with coconut flakes as a delicious cake topping
- Prepare sliced lamb and mix in lemon balm shortly before serving
Lemon balm particularly refines fish dishes as well as marinades or chutneys. When preparing it, it is important that the leaves are not allowed to cook. Whether whole or chopped, they always form the finale of the recipe. If you also want to eat lemon balm in winter, freeze it immediately after harvesting. In contrast to drying, in this case a large part of the aroma is retained.
Tips & Tricks
Lemon balm is not only edible, but also contains healing powers of nature. When dried, the herbal plant is transformed with other ingredients into healing ointments, infusions and oils. Marinated in cold-pressed olive oil, you will receive an effective remedy for cold sores in children after 4 weeks.
