Description
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a classic herb from the Mediterranean herbal tradition, loved for its mild, refreshing taste with a hint of lemon. The herb belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is related to mint and sage.
When crushed, lemon balm leaves give off a soft lemon scent. Traditionally, the herb has been used not only in cooking, but also in herbal teas and aromatic blends for its pleasant, harmonious aroma.
Dried lemon balm makes a fine, light herbal tea that tastes good both on its own and in combination with other herbs such as mint, camomile or lemongrass — a herb with a soft, calming effect — ideal for a relaxing cup of tea.
Incidentally, the name Melissa comes from Greek and means 'honey bee' — a reference to the sweet scent that attracts bees.
