Lemon Balm Recipe Ideas
Lemon Balm is a perennial plant from the mint family. It looks a bit like mint, but it has a lighter, more vivid green color, larger leaves, and it grows into huge, tall bushes. Though it’s from the mint family, it doesn’t taste like mint (aside from a subtle aftertaste). It has a delicate lemony taste, and a subtle, incredible aroma you will love.
As a herb that's flavourful without being overpowering, there a a hundred different ways to use lemon balm in your kitchen. Which is a good thing, because it's a very generous plant! Plant one small sprig in the summer, and it can quickly spread. So if you're looking for ways to use your lemon balm, here are some of our favourite recipe ideas.
1. Lemon Balm Pesto
Credit: Where is My Spoon
A good pesto is an easy way to bring out the best in your herbs. Lemon balm, with its citrus undertones, tends to make for a light and summery taste. Mix it with nuts, cheese, and oil of your choice to make a fragrant and versatile pesto.
What does this pesto pair well with? Pastas are a fantastic choice, of course - especially when you add chicken or tomatoes to the mix. You can also pair it with feta or cream cheese to make a dip or sandwich spread, or use it in soups, stews, or on top of fish.
2. Cakes
Credit: Learning Herbs
As it is quite a delicate herb, lemon balm can make for a lovely dessert flavouring. Its light citrus flavour, and its lovely aroma, makes it a good choice for some very pleasant after-dinner treats. For example, finely chopping the leaves and mixing it with buttercream makes for a delicious cake filling.
Lemon balm can be used to create cakes, cookies, syrups, and sweets of all kinds. Take a look at this recipe for Lemon Balm Poppy Seed Honey Cakes for inspiration.
3. Ice Cream
Credit: Nutmegs Seven
A sweet treat to beat the summer heat. Lemon balm can brighten up any ice cream you make at home with its aroma and natural flavour.
4. Tea
With its fragrant aroma, you can count on lemon balm to make a lovely pot of tea. Try stocking a big batch of this in the fridge for a refreshing summer treat. Making teas out of herbs is super easy to do. It all starts with adding your water and leaves to a pot. Aim for one tablespoon of lemon balm leaves per cup of water. Let it boil, then cover it and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the leaves from your mixture, and your cup of tea will be ready to enjoy! Sweeten with sugar, honey, or sweetener as you like it.
