What can I do with lemon balm?

[murphymom]

I have some in my garden that is marching through one planting bed like a marauding visigoth and taking over. I've never used it in cooking (it was already in the garden when we moved here) so I googled around and found some recipes - herbal teas, some salad dressings and a few other dishes. I think I'm going to try making some tea with it first, to see what it tastes like.

Has anyone used it in cooking?

[wildeyed]

1. Isn't it related to mint?

Never cooked with it, but if it is mint related, get it out of the bed or it will take over.

[murphymom]

2. I think so

That's why I want to figure out how to use it - that way I can keep it under control, but I hate the idea of just pulling it up and thowing it out.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Oregano's even more of a visigoth

One little, innocent plant three years ago has now encroached on half our front door flower bed!

Even **we** can't use it all!

And I thought mint was a bad neighbor!

I don't know what to do with lemon balm. I always kinda thought of it as one of those Victorian garden curiosities.

[Tsiyu]

4. I use it in everything

The lemony essense fades quickly so it's really best used fresh.

I chop it for tuna and chicken salad (it works in any salad to add zing). You can also saute it with garlic and other herbs. I do this with ginger, garlic, fresh oregano, and lemon balm in butter or olive oil then place meat or fish over the herbs and cover the pan while the meat cooks.

Good with veggie stir-fry: use herbs as above but saute squash, zuchini, julienned carrots, onions, peppers, eggplant or whatever from the garden. A wok is great, but continue to cook veggies til they brown. Add tomatoes toward the end. Serve this over rice - it's really good. Cooked Shrimp can be added as well.

It's good mixed in potatoes - fried or mashed. Wrap fish in the herb and broil.

Combined with Oswego tea ( beebalm) it makes a really nice tea. If you have chamomile, lavender or raspberry leaves you can add those to the tea.

[Mojorabbit]

5. I stuff a jar with it

and add vodka to cover. Shake every day for two weeks and strain. Repeat till you get good color. This is a great tincture for when cold season hits. It is a natural antiviral, antibacterial.
I like it as a hot tea with honey added. I also add some crushed leaves to iced tea in summer.

[murphymom]

6. Thanks, guys

To those who responded (and one who PMed me). I'm going to try some of your suggestions and report back with the results once I get my kitchen back (we're remodeling and it's gutted right now.)

[Stinky The Clown]

7. "(we're remodeling and it's gutted right now.)"

You must post pictures!

[murphymom]

9. As soon as it's done!

Cabinets are supposed to be installed next week, with granite countertops and the appliances a couple of weeks later.

I can't wait!!!!!

[NJCher]

8. tea has calming effect

I make lemon balm tea with mine and I find it...well, sedates me. Has a very calming effect.

One time I was in a post office line and was discussing herbs with the person in front of me. I told her how I thought the tea had a calming effect.

Later when I was filling out a form at the desk in the lobby, a woman who had also been standing in the line came over to me and grabbed my arm. She said, "Please! Tell me more about that tea! I have six kids!"


Cher

[NJCher]

10. works as a mosquito repellent

Not 100 per cent effective but I did notice a difference.

Take a leaf and rub it wherever your skin is exposed.


Cher

[Dorian Gray]

11. I never knew that this existed

until this past Saturday, when I went to the Herb Garden in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I saw it growing there, and the little informational tab they had with it said it could be used in teas or in recipes that called for a lemony flavor. (It might be good in pasta with garlic and olive oil... instead of basil.)

I've never used it, though.