While lemon verbena is often used as a seasoning for fruits and desserts, lemon balm is more often used for flavoring meats, fish and poultry or added to vegetable dishes. Both are used as garnishes for cold drinks and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
What can you substitute for lemon verbena?
Lemon Verbena Substitute
- Mint Family. Two plants that have lemon-flavored leaves are in the mint family.
- Lemongrass. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical perennial grass, and it’s often treated as an annual in Northern gardens.
- Lemon Basil.
- Other Lemony Herbs.
What can I use in place of lemon balm?
If your recipe calls for fresh lemon balm and you don’t have it then there here are some good substitutes:
- For each tablespoon needed substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest.
- OR – 2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped + 1 teaspoon fresh lemon basil, chopped.
Can I substitute lemon thyme for lemon verbena?
What can I use to replace lemon thyme? If you need a substitute for lemon thyme, then your best options are regular thyme combined with lemon zest, dried lemon thyme, lemon verbena, or lemon balm. If you’re in a pinch, you could also consider using lemongrass or sage.
Is lemon the same as lemon balm?
While lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon mint (Monarda citriodora) are both members of the extensive mint family (Lamiaceae), they have distinct differences. Lemon mint is one of the many species in the bee balm genus (Monarda spp.) and lemon balm and its cultivars form their own genus (Melissa spp.
Can I substitute lemon balm for lemongrass?
Lemon balm is another great substitute for lemongrass. For one stalk of lemongrass, take four lemon balm leaves to get a subtle citrus flavor. Chop and only add them towards the end of the cooking process. This will allow it to retain its delicate flavor.
Can you substitute lemon balm for basil?
You can use lemon balm leaves as a replacement for fresh basil in a ratio of 1:1 in most recipes. You can also use lemon balm to replace lemon zest or lemon extract in sauces, soups, vinegar, and even some desserts.
Can I eat lemon balm?
In addition to the fresh herb, you can also consume lemon balm in the form of an oil or supplement. Lemon balm oils may be cut with water and vegetable glycerin, which just makes it safe to consume orally or used directly on your skin.
Does lemon balm keep mosquitoes away?
Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Is lemon balm edible?
Edibility – 5/5 – Strongly aromatic, reminiscent of sweet lemon, with menthol qualities (without actually being “minty”). The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after.
What are lemon verbena leaves?
Lemon verbena is a flowering plant. It grows in South America, northern Africa, southern Europe, and Iran. The leaves and flowering tops are used to make medicine.
Is lemongrass and lemon thyme the same thing?
Lemongrass. This ingredient is the best known substitute for lemon thyme. It has a slightly citrus flavor that is similar to lemons.
Are thyme and lemon thyme the same thing?
Thyme is a gentle flavored herb that has minty, earthy, and floral flavor notes. Its subtleness is useful in cooking as it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in a dish. Lemon thyme has a similar appearance and taste to the regular variety, but it offers a stronger citrus aroma and taste.
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.
What are the side effects of lemon balm?
Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lemon balm is safe to use for more than 6 months. When applied to the skin: Lemon balm is possibly safe for most adults. It may cause skin irritation.
Can I drink lemon balm tea everyday?
Lemon balm tea is generally safe for consumption when consumed in small to moderate quantities. As with many teas and herbal remedies, lemon balm tea may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals.
Is lemon balm lemongrass?
Lemon balm comes from the melissa officinalis plant, and looks nothing like lemon grass. The light green leaves are rounded, and the scalloped edges tend to be slightly crinkled. There are many more branches from lemon balm trees, and the foliage is very thick.
Is lemongrass tea the same as lemon balm tea?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won’t alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
What is a good replacement for lemongrass?
The Best Lemongrass Substitutes
- Lemon Zest. While the fragrance isn’t as intense and complex, lemon zest is the closest common ingredient to lemongrass.
- Lime Zest.
- Lime Leaves.
- Basil, Mint or Coriander (Cilantro)
- Preserved Lemon.
Can I use lemon balm instead of lemon zest?
Before you toss in the lemon juice or lemon zest into you next bar recipe, consider adding Lemon Balm instead! Use your handy food processor to grind it with soft dates, vanilla extract, goji berries, cinnamon, and natural almonds or coconut according to your taste, with just 2 tablespoons of water or other liquid.
Can I substitute lemon balm for mint?
Can I substitute lemon balm for Mint? If you want to switch the flavor of your meal, you can substitute both spices for each other. So if you desire your food recipe to taste zesty, your best choice is lemon balm. If you want a bit of menthol and a cool sensation on your tongue, then use Mint.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!