Lemon balm from our own cultivation scores with a unique aroma. The essential oils and other components responsible for this develop fully at a very specific point in time. We'll tell you here when that is and how you can skillfully harvest lemon balm.
When and how should you harvest lemon balm?
The optimal time to harvest lemon balm is shortly before it flowers, when the aroma content is at its highest. Cut the branches about 10cm above the ground, preferably early in the morning when the dew has evaporated and the plant is well hydrated.
Optimal harvest date is shortly before flowering
Lemon balm planted in May aims for its first blooms in June. In the days before the white flowers unfold, the aroma content in the foliage is at its highest level. During and after flowering, the taste decreases significantly as the plant now concentrates on growing the seeds. On the appointment itself, the time of day comes into focus:
- Harvest lemon balm early in the morning when the dew has evaporated
- ideally it rained 2 days before or the plant was watered
- cut the branches about 10 centimeters above the ground with sharp scissors
The lemon herb sprouts again vigorously from the remaining shoot. A carefully cared for plant achieves this feat up to 4 times per season before it goes into winter break.
Store harvest surplus cleverly – this is how it works
If the harvest yield exceeds all expectations, the question of suitable storage arises. There are various preservation methods to choose from, each with their own individual advantages. We have compiled an overview of the most important procedures below:
- Freeze lemon balm leaves individually
- freezing in the ice cube tray
- drying in the oven
- air drying
- drying in the dehydrator
- pickle in wine or apple cider vinegar
The experts agree that freezing preserves the greatest flavor content. If you prefer to use lemon balm as a medicinal herb, the dry method can be considered. Although the essential oils evaporate, the healing properties remain intact when dried.
Tips & Tricks
Another fragrant and medicinal plant is known as gold balm. Although this is also a mint family, it is classified as a different genus. If you want to cultivate both types of lemon balm in the garden, assign them different locations. Lemon balm and golden balm do not get along as plant neighbors.
