Lemon balm - member of the mint family

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm

Common names:
Lemon balm
Balm

Balm leaf
Balm oil plant
Barm leaf
Bee balm
Dropsywort
Honey plant
Pimentary
Sweet balm
Sweet Mary
Tea balm

Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly ovate, aromatic leaves and small 2-lipped white flowers in spikes in summer.

Grow
In any moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet

Cooking
As its name suggests, this leafy, green herb has a lemony flavour and fragrance. It works well with fish, poultry and vegetables as well as in salads, stuffings and drinks. It’s a member of the mint family and makes a very refreshing infusion or tea. Only buy it fresh however as it loses virtually all of its flavour when dried