Drying lemon balm can preserve the quality and flavor of the plant for storage. An easy way to have it on hand all year long is to dry it at home. The process is simple and safe, and you will soon have lemon balm when you want to relax for a good night’s sleep!
Does lemon balm dry well?
While fresh lemon balm is superior to dried, cut stems can be bundled, hung in a warm, dark, well ventilated location to dry. After drying, strip leaves from stems and store in a sealed container. Leaves can also be frozen for later use.
What can dried lemon balm be used for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
How long does dried lemon balm last?
Store dried lemon balm for up to 1 year at room temperature.
Pop the dried leaves into a glass storage container with a sealable lid. Then, store the lemon balm in a dry location away from light and heat. Label your lemon balm and use it within 1 year of drying the leaves.
What is the best way to preserve lemon balm?
To store your lemon balm, keep the leaves and stems in big pieces to retain as much flavor as possible. Store your herbs in paper bags or glass jars (avoid plastic bags as they may lead to condensation).
How do you dry out lemon balm?
spread stems and leaves on the drying trays of a dehydrator. Set the temperature at its lowest setting (95°F or 35°C) and dry for 12 to 18 hours.
What herbs should not be dried?
Delicate, leafy herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chives are always superior when fresh, and should typically be avoided when dried since they don’t add much flavor to a dish.
Can I drink lemon balm tea everyday?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
What can I do with a bunch of lemon balm?
Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor. Lemon balm also pairs beautifully with poultry—try adding sliced leaves to chicken salad, fish dishes, and even vegetable dishes to serve on the side.
Can you eat lemon balm raw?
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
Is Lemon balm tea better fresh or dried?
Herbalists note that the medicinal properties of lemon balm may be stronger in an infusion made from dried lemon balm leaf, but using more fresh lemon balm and a longer steep time can help extract more of this fragrant herb’s compounds.
What do you do with lemon balm after harvesting?
The leaves and flowers make unique, flavorful jelly or herbed vinegar. They can also be added to creamy dressings, dips, and spreads. Add young leaves to fruit punch and green or fruit salads. One of my favorite things to make with lemon balm is shortbread or sugar cookies.
Can you dry lemon balm in the oven?
Option 2: Oven dry
As mentioned earlier, basil, tarragon, lemon balm and mints have high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly. Dry in a very cool oven (high temperatures will result in tasteless herbs).
How do you make lemon balm for the winter?
Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.
Can lemon balm be dried for tea?
Remove fresh leaves and rinse well. Lay the leaves on a baking sheet until they dry — people can store dried lemon balm for several months and still maintain their flavor. Boil water and add dried leaves. Allow them to steep, or soak, for about 5 minutes, and then add sugar or honey if desired.
Can you freeze lemon balm for tea?
Some herbs maintain their flavor better when frozen instead of dried. Freezing works well for herbs like parsley, dill, basil, chives lemon balm, mint or tarragon.
What happens if you smoke lemon balm?
In the research, they gave the mixture to two groups, and reports showed that participants noticed favorable effects on different aspects of their moods and lower anxiety levels. Likewise, herbal smoking blends containing lemon balm may be able to offer similar effects for those dealing with anxiety.
Can you dry lemon balm in the microwave?
Here’s how we do it: Spread your herbs (leaves and tender stems only) in an even layer on a paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Toss the herbs and continue to microwave in 15-30 second increments until the herbs are completely dried.
Can you cook with lemon balm leaves?
What to do with the leaves? They’re great for cooking. Use lemon balm in place of lemon peel in recipes and to flavor soups, sauces, vinegars and seafood. Or add it to your favorite sugar cookie dough for a delicious lemony tea cookie.
Why hang herbs upside down to dry?
One of the oldest methods of preservation is simply to tie the herbs or flowers into bundles, and hang them upside down to dry. This way, the plant juices can flow to the brightest, tastiest parts of the plant via gravity.
Do I have to wash herbs before drying?
Rinse herbs in cool water and gently shake to remove excess moisture. Discard all bruised, soiled or imperfect leaves and stems. Dehydrator drying is a fast and easy way to dry high quality herbs because temperature and air circulation can be controlled. Pre-heat dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95°F to 115°F.