H-DE-010
Lemon Balm
Dried leaf tisane, from Thuringia, Germany.
Herbal tisanes
Lemon Balm is strongest on smoothness, citrus and brightness. Typical tasting words: lemon, herbaceous, fresh grass, mint. Cultivated in southern Europe for over two millennia, medieval monastic herb gardens propagated it as a calming restorative cordial. A popular evening tisane in central and western Europe, cherished for its subtle citrus scent and calming qualities.
Also known as Melissa, Melisse and Balm Mint.
The profile
Taste, 0 to 5
Flavour families, 0 to 5
Facts
- Origin
- Thuringia, Germany
- Plant
- Melissa officinalis leaves
- Harvest
- late spring to summer before flowering
- Elevation
- low
- Oxidation
- to %
- Roast
- unroasted
- Leaf
- cut
- Price band
- affordable
- Availability
- common
- Ageing
- a little
- Forgiving to brew
- 4 of 5
- L-theanine
- none
Made by: cutting, then low-temperature gentle drying, then sifting.
Caffeine
Lemon Balm is caffeine-free. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Low enough to suit the evening for most people. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.
How to brew it
| Method | Leaf | Water | Steeps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western, 250 ml | 3 g | 90 to 95 °C | 5 min, 8 min |
| Cold brew, 250 ml | 3 g | Fridge | 6 to 10 hours |
Up to 2 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.
Drinking it
- afternoon
- evening
- night
- bedtime
- relaxing
- evening
Pairs with fruit, salads and pastry. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.
Tasting words explained
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shares smoothness and citrus
More: all herbal tisanes teas, or filter the whole drawer.