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How do you identify lemon balm?
Identify my lemon balm The white flowers have a corolla 12 mm long, with two lips. The chalice is bell-shaped. Possible confusion: the lemon balm looks very much like mint, its leaves have a very similar shape, and they are organized the same. The only way to distinguish without error is by smell, rubbing a leaf.
What does lemon mint look like?
Like other mint family members, lemon balm has scalloped, oval- to heart-shaped leaves that grow opposite one another on square (four-sided) stems. Its leaves are bright green on top and whitish below. Most people don’t stop to look at the flowers of lemon balm because they are very small.
Is lemon mint lemon balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.
Does lemon balm taste like mint?
What Does Lemon Balm Taste Like? This aromatic member of the mint family has a bright, citrusy taste that brings together the acidity of lemon with subtle hints of mint. Both the stems and fresh leaves of lemon balm have a subtly sweet flavor and can be used in food preparation and medicine.
What is lemon balm plant 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).
Is there a mint that smells like lemon?
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
What can I use lemon mint for?
Lemon mint has (surprise, surprise) a refreshing minty-lemony flavor. Use it to replace any other mint with garnishes and seasonings, especially when you need a hint of citrus. Use crushed lemon mint in curries, Greek dishes, and lamb roasts, or as flavorings for jams, jellies, and canned fruit recipes.
Can I substitute lemon balm for mint?
Lemon balm is also a good replacement for mint as you can get that refreshing menthol flavor coming through. Lemon balm simply has an extra note of citrus. Use them interchangeably to really mix up your dishes.
What are the side effects of drinking lemon balm tea?
Side effects are generally mild and may include increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and wheezing. Not enough is known about the safety of lemon balm when used long-term.
While lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis) and lemon mint ( Monarda citriodora) are both members of the extensive mint family ( Lamiaceae ), they are not closely related. Lemon mint is one of the many species in the bee balm genus ( Monarda spp.) and lemon balm and its cultivars form their own genus…
How many different types of lemon balm are there?
In fact, it could be said that the plant we call mint is itself a kind of sub-family within the greater Lamiaceae family that includes herbs like oregano and basil. There is only one lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis) but there are over 40 varieties of mint.
What can you substitute for lemon balm in a recipe?
Similarly, a meat dish flavored with mint will usually still work if you switch it out with lemon balm. Mint can be made into a better substitute for lemon balm with the addition of lemon zest. Similarly, you can make lemon balm more minty by adding a small amount of mint extract.
How can you tell the difference between Basil and mint?
The best way to identify dried mint or basil is to use the senses of smell and taste to make sure you are using the right herb. When basil and mint are dried for later use, their color dulls considerably and their flavors and odors slightly change as well.