Lemon Balm

[Magictofu]

We have lemon balm growing in our garden and we need to trim it dramatically as it threathen to choke all other plants growing in the area. I would really hate to add everything to the compost pile but can't find many ideas to use it all.

We have made a few herbal teas with the fresh leaves in the past and have incorporated it to yogurt based sauces a few times but haven't really thought about using it for anything else. What else can be done with it?

By the way, either I can't find the proper way to dry it or this herb just tastes very bad when dried.

[vinelady]

It tastes bad when dried.

You might try making jelly from it.

http://wwwthinkingaboutfood.blogspot.com/2...balm-jelly.html

[lperry]

It's probably too early in the season, but I like to add it to preserves while they cook. It imparts a slightly acidic component that brightens the flavor and cuts the sweetness a bit. It is particularly nice with peaches. And if your plants are like mine, even if it goes into the compost, there will be plenty again in a week or so.

[zoe b]

I just added some to a batch of Sables--just very fine julienned the fresh leaves.

Z

[Dianabanana]

Make a bunch of lemon balm-flavored simple syrup with it and you will find all kinds of uses for it--to flavor iced teas, fruit salads, paletas, etc.

It's also very nice chiffonaded and added to green salads along with other herbs.

[Doodad]

I am eradicating it in our yard. It is the kudzu of herbs. I could not find lemon basil and hoped it would substitute. It really does not and it now is taking over the entire garden.

[sparrowgrass]

zoe b, I was going to suggest the same thing, in sugar cookies. Of course, the green flecks would have made my children retch and recoil--more cookies for me, then.

[zoe b]

zoe b, I was going to suggest the same thing, in sugar cookies.  Of course, the green flecks would have made my children retch and recoil--more cookies for me, then.

←

yes, I learned this tactic from my mother--she always told us that kids didn't like real maple syrup--that Log Cabin was better!

now that the kids are grown, if I'm feeling really selfish, I make hard crunchy biscotti instead of nice soft cookies--so my Hub, for once, won't eat them all in one day!

Z

Edited May 20, 2009 by zoe b (log)