
Dried lemon balm can be stored for several months and still maintain top-notch flavor. Once completely dry, store the dried leaves in an airtight container or a brown paper bag and leave in a dark place. Now that's Brisk, baby Brisk Lemon Iced Tea: We aim to show you accurate. Brisk lemon tea (20 fl oz) is the one with the bold lemon flavor that kicked iced tea off the back porch and gave it some street cred. This original iced tea comes with tons of attitude. You can also gather the leaves in bundles and hang dry them by tying them from a clothesline. Enjoy a beverage with plenty of kickback and sass with the Brisk Lemon Iced Tea. Rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves using cold water and lay out to dry on a baking sheet. Pruning the plant this way will encourage new shoots to grow, thus increasing the potential for harvest yields. Harvest season typically occurs in late spring or early summer but can vary depending on your region and climate.Ĭut the lemon balm leaves at the stem just above the second row of leaves. The plants have the highest amount of healthy antioxidants and essential oils at this time resulting in better flavor. It's best to harvest the leaves just before the plant begins to blossom. Only harvest leaves from organic lemon balm [plants to preserve the natural flavor and avoid negative side effects from chemicals and fertilizers.

If you choose to use dried leaves, start by harvesting fresh leaves from the plant. Homemade lemon balm tea can be made using fresh leaves or dried leaves right from lemon balm plants in your own backyard garden. This herbal tisane benefits from the addition of raw honey from honey bees, agave syrup, and a dash of lemon juice. This tea offers a lemony flavor that is brisk and tart. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and features a refreshing citrusy flavor with hints of mint. Additional research shows that drinking lemon balm tea may help reduce blood pressure and protect the heart from serious cardiovascular disease ( 2). Studies also show that lemon balm tea may help reduce anxiety and depression by targeting the nervous system ( 1). Some purported health benefits of lemon balm tea include stress reduction, infection prevention, and improved sleep.

It is has been used for centuries in this region as a natural herbal remedy. The lemon balm plant is native to Europe and Africa along the Mediterranean region.

Lemon balm has a long history of culinary use dating back to the times of the Ancient Greeks. The plant is also frequently called common balm and balm mint. Lemon balm tea is an herbal tea made from the plant known by the botanical name Melissa officinalis.
