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I don’t grow lemon balm in my garden, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t get to enjoy it’s lemony goodness. I found a really nice patch growing wild along a trail while out walking one day. So I can harvest enough for lemon balm iced tea just about any time I like.
I’m pretty passionate about gardening, but I think that I like to forage even more. I love the surprise of what I might find and almost always come home rejuvenated, and with a handful of plants I want to identify.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. Like other members of the mint family, it has a square stem, opposite leaves and is aromatic. The leaf is slightly hairy. Pick one and crush it; if it smells lemony, you have lemon balm.
Making lemon balm iced tea is easy. Boil water, let the herb steep, sweeten.
Don’t limit yourself to lemon balm when making iced tea. Try mint, rose hips, or even lavender.
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Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- 1 large handful fresh lemon balm
- 1/3 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Boil 2 quarts of water in a 3 quart or larger pot.
- Add the lemon balm and allow to steep for about an hour.
- Remove the lemon balm by straining.
- Be sure the temperature of the tea is below 110°F and add the raw honey. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve chilled.
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Deb says
Looking forward to making this, Susan. Thanks so much–I have a bunch of it trying to take over!
Mich says
I always have lemon balm in my garden and am always looking for different ways to use it. Thank you !!
Susan Vinskofski says
You’re welcome; thanks for stopping by!
Fil says
You can pick the leaves and wash them then lay them on paper towel on trays to dry out for a couple of weeks or until the leaves are completely dried. Store them in a ziploc freezer bag. Then make hot lemon balm tea whenever you want. Just boil water and put a few dried leaves in your mug and let it steep for a few minutes. Delicious and light flavoured.
Nancy says
I added a little spearmint to it and used agave instead of the honey very light and refreshing
Susan Vinskofski says
Wonderful!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great refreshing beverage to have ready in the fridge!
Susan Vinskofski says
Enjoy!!!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! How long is it good in the fridge?
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Vanessa! The lemon balm iced tea generally lasts 4 – 5 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great drink to make in the summertime!
Susan Vinskofski says
Yes, it’s one of our favorites!
Amanda says
Do you use leaves only or the stems as well?
I ask Because I know some plants have bitter stems.. like when i mage elderberry syrup…stems make the syrup bitter.
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Amanda, I have never removed the leaves from the stems when I make this tea and the tea is never bitter. I hope that helps.
Sandra says
Hi, I have an orange balm plant, can I use it the same way?
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Sandra, yes, you sure can; that will be fantastic!!!
Mary says
This looks tasty. Could be great on a hot day.