Lemon balm is one of my favorite herbs. Five years ago I bought this herb at a final clearance with no idea what it was. After researching it, I found out it is part of the mint family. When garden season came around my new lemon balm was planted in the back of my garden. At this time the back of my garden was empty. Nothing there at all.
Fast forward to today and my lemon balm is plentiful. So plentiful and is a wonderful herbal perennial. I hope to convince you to try this herb not just growing it, but utilizing some of its health benefits. Teas, soaps, bath bombs and more are great homemade products that come from this mosquito repelling plant. Perfect pollinating plant with fragrant flowers.
Harvesting Herbs for Winter
Depending on how each herb harvested is used will dictate the harvesting method. Early morning is the best time because it is cooler and the herbs are fresh for the day. Waiting until the afternoon means they could be dried out or wilted from the heat. Keeping a daily routine of harvesting is a good habit due to the fact that most herbs are better before they flower. When you pick lemon balm it actually helps it to stay healthier and continue to produce more of the plant.
Another way to harvest the lemon balm is to lay them out on screens. Check them when dry to see if they still smell lemony. If not, another batch of drying will be needed with a fresh pick. Toss out the old batch. The same goes with all herbs. Some people use small batches tied together in bundles. I don’t prefer this route due to the messiness of the process. I pick mine ahead of time to make sure they are easy to crumble and place in mason jars.
Storing Lemon Balm Long Term
Storing lemon balm is done in several ways. Depending on the future use, will depend on the storage container. If you are using for tea bags then I would recommend small glass mason jars. Pint size works well. In the past, I have also used old taco sauce jars that have been washed well to use for storing. Any size of old jar is going to hold the lemon balm leaves. A good lid is necessary.
Another way to store them is in ziploc baggies. The snack size works well, or the dollar tree may have small baggies for sale that would work for sachets and tea bags. Shop around to match the need and the use. If you are storing long term, labeling the jars or baggies with the date is necessary to keep the oldest separated from the recently picked jars.
Everyday Herbs and Cooking
This herb is best used in teas, soaps, bath bombs, sachets for closets, potpourri and room fresheners. As stated above, I originally purchased it as a mosquito repellent. Planting it around a porch or picnic area at home detours bugs.
In addition to the previously mentioned uses, I have found the best way to use it is everyday. Storing herbs allows for you to forget them. In the winter, I keep lemon balm in my cabinet and add it to soups and casseroles. Keeping herbs handy and using them regularly adds to meals and health benefits.
Other Ways to Preserve Herbs
Ice Cubes
Adding lemon balm to ice cube trays is a good way to preserve them. When you are ready to use, add the cubes to any hot or cold drink. The lemony taste is undeniably delicious. I have added my lemon balm ice cubes to smoothies and milkshakes, and my family has never complained.
Lemon Balm Butter
Using regular butter, set it out so that it will soften. When ready, add lemon balm leaves to the butter and then place in the fridge for future use. Rolls will never tasted the same without this new addition.
Freezing the Leaves
Using a zip lock bag, wash the leaves and dry well. Next, use scissors to cut into small pieces and place in the bag. Label it, and place in the freezer for future storage.
Salt
Finally, my last tip on using lemon balm is to try it in salt. Add fresh lemon balm to the salt shaker and the benefits will be tasted in all of your meals.
This hearty herb has so many different uses and benefits that I am sure it will become a favorite. Grab my free printable tea recipe and enjoy!
Download here:
https://www.momsarefrugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Read-—lemon-Balm-recipe-1.pdf
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