Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), also known as Bee Balm, is a perennial herb from the mint family Lamiaceae, grown originally in Southern Europe. Its flavors come from the terpenes citronellal, citronellol , citral, and geraniol.

Its leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. At the end of the summer, little white flowers full of nectar appear. These attracts bees, hence the name "Melissa" (Greek for 'bee'). The stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring.

It is used as a flavouring in tisane and ice cream. It is also often paired with fruit dishes or candies.

Cultivation

This herb can be easy to cultivate in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. In Zone 7 it can be harvested at least until the end of November.

Reference

• M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal: Lemon Balm