
Lemon Balm Recipes
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mint family herb with a lemon flavor, valued for its comforting effects and food uses. Over the past old, recipes as well as lemon balm have become increasingly popular in the United States since the herb offers a unique taste and offers normal health benefits.
Lemon balm
How to make lemon balm tea
How to dry lemon balm
Whether you’re an herb novice or an experienced landscaper, knowing the applications and uses of lemon balm in recipes is important for anyone imperfect to add more skill to their cooking skillset.

2. Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
Let’s take a look at some amazing health benefits before we share our huge list of lemon balm recipes:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Enhances sleep quality
Comforts absorption
Improve cognitive function
High in antioxidants
A National Institutes of Health study here confirms much of these health benefits, particularly when ingested as a tea or complement.
3. Planting and Harvesting Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is easy to grow in the US temperature, especially USDA zones 4–9. It likes well-demanding soil and a sunny to partially shaded spot.
Planting Time:
Spring
Harvest Season:
Late Spring to Early Fall
Tips:
Cut frequently to stimulate growth and prevent flowering.
For a full gardening guide, take a look at our internal resource: How to Grow Herbs in the USA.
4. Top Lemon Balm Recipes for American Kitchens
Below are five top-rated lemon balm recipes that are ideal for American kitchens
1-Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
2 cups boiling water
Honey (optional)
Instructions:
Put lemon balm leaves in a teapot.
Add boiling water over them

Steep for 10 minutes.
Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.
Try this as a bedtime relaxation drink!
2-Lemon Balm Pesto
Ingredients:
1 cup lemon balm leaves
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic

Instructions:
All ingredients are combined in a food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Use as a pasta topping or a spread.
For other herbal spreads, go to Herbal Cooking Techniques.
3-Lemon Balm-Infused Honey
Ingredients
1 cup lemon balm leaves
1 cup honey
Instructions:
Heat honey gently without boiling.
Add lemon balm and steep for 30 minutes.
Strain and store in glass jar.

4-Lemon Balm Chicken
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup lemon balm, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon balm Marinate chicken
Instructions:
Marinate chicken in lemon balm, oil, salt, and pepper for 2 hours.
Grill or bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Lemon Balm Lemonade infused honey
1 cup lemon balm leaves
Ingredients:
4 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey or sugar
Instructions:
Steep lemon balm in hot water for 10 minutes.
Add lemon juice and sweetener.
Serve cold over ice.
5. Comparison Table: Lemon Balm Recipes
Recipe Name | Prep Time | Use Case | Difficulty | Shelf Life |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lemon Balm Tea | 5 min | Relaxation | Easy | Immediate use |
Lemon Balm Pesto | 10 min | Pasta/Sandwich | Moderate | 1 week (fridge) |
Lemon Balm Lemonade | 10 min | Summer Drink | Easy | 3 days (fridge) |
Lemon Balm Chicken Marinade | 5 min | Grilling | Easy | 24 hours (fridge) |
Lemon Balm Infused Honey | 10 min | Sweetener | Easy | 6 months |
Lemon Balm Honey
30 minutes
Soothes sore throats
Lemon Balm Chicken
2.5 hours (including marination)
Boosts flavor, digestion
Moderate
Lemon Balm Lemonade
15 minutes
Refreshing and hydrating
6. Storing Lemon Balm
Proper storage extends the usability of lemon balm in recipes:
Fresh Storage: Wrap in a wet paper towel and refrigerate for 3–5 days.
Drying: Dry upside down in a dry, cool area for 7–10 days.
Freezing: Freeze chopped leaves in an ice cube tray with water or olive oil.
Want more tips on food preservation? See our post on How to Store Fresh Herbs.
7. Where to Buy Lemon Balm in the USA
Lemon balm can be found extensively distributed throughout the United States:
Online Sellers: Amazon, Ets
Health Food Stores:
Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s
Local Gardens: Usually found in spring/summer
Read our latest article: Top 10 Online Herb Stores in the USA.
8. Conclusion
From teas and honey to flavorful chicken recipes, lemon balm dishes provide a wonderful and health-encouraging addition to American cooking. With its soothing scent and taste, lemon balm is not just an herb—it’s a health powerhouse that every pantry should have.
For additional recipes, gardening advice, and kitchen tips, visit our database at https://databasetown.com.
9. FAQs
Q1. Is it possible to use dried lemon balm in cooking?
Yes, dried lemon balm is suitable for teas and baked plates but could be less strong than fresh leaves.
Q2. Is lemon balm suitable for children?
Usually yes, particularly in teas. However, consult a medical practitioner if used medicinally.
Q3: Can I freeze lemon balm?
Yes! It’s usually combined with chamomile, mint, and lavender in teas.
Q4. How do I yield lemon balm?
Just before it flowers, typically in late spring or early summer, when oils are strongest.
Q5. Does lemon balm keep bugs away?
Yes, it’s said to repel mosquitoes and is a common ingredient in natural bug sprays.