In order to enjoy its revitalizing scent, it is definitely worth growing lemon balm. Of course, the hardy shrub with the pretty white flowers has much more to offer. You can eat the velvety soft leaves. Find out about the delicious details here.

Snack on lemon balm leaves pure or candied - that's how it works

Shortly before flowering, the content of valuable ingredients in lemon balm is at its zenith. If you harvest the leaves early in the morning and eat them fresh from the branch, you will experience the ultimate freshness kick. If you want to surprise your children with healthy sweets, just candy some lemon balm leaves. That is how it goes:

  • Boil 125 grams of sugar with 100 milliliters of water and allow to cool
  • Rinse fresh lemon balm with cold water
  • dip each leaf in the sugar solution
  • Lay out on baking paper and let dry in the oven at 50 degrees

What the children don't eat right away is kept in an airtight container for later.

Gourmets eat lemon balm in a variety of ways

Hobby gardeners enjoy the privilege of being able to eat fresh lemon balm leaves during the summertime. Only fresh from the branch do the herbs contain the inimitable aroma that makes the hearts of gourmets beat faster. The list of sweet and savory dishes in which lemon balm is used as a flavor is long. The following examples may serve as inspiration:

  • as a refreshing garnish on salads
  • chopped under whipped cream and with grated coconut as a delicious cake topping
  • Prepare the lamb strips and mix in the lemon balm just before serving

Lemon balm refines fish dishes in particular, as well as marinades or chutneys. It is important during preparation that the leaves should not be allowed to cook. Whether in one piece or chopped up, they always form the finale of the recipe. If you also want to eat lemon balm in winter, freeze it immediately after harvesting. In contrast to drying, in this case a large part of the aroma is retained.

tips and tricks

Lemon balm is not only edible, but contains natural healing powers. When dried, the herbal plant is transformed with other ingredients into healing ointments, infusions and oils. Inserted in cold-pressed olive oil, after 4 weeks you get an effective remedy for cold sores in children.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden