Herb
Lemon Bee Balm
A tier
Lemon bee balm is the kitchen name for citriodora types—stacked flower whorls, lemon-herb leaf, and a friendlier tea profile than spicy scarlet monarda. Excellent cold-brewed with honey. Chop young leaves into fruit salsas. Flowers are mild edible confetti.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
CocktailCold BrewSalsa HerbTea
Traits
CulinaryLemonLemon CulinaryMilder SpiceRefreshingSummer Annual Habit OftenTea Friendly
History
US
Gardeners distinguished lemon bee balm from scarlet types for tea preference.
Herb catalogues marketed lemon bee balm for citrus tea blends.
Iced-tea and cocktail culture used lemon bee balm as a garden citrus herb.
Lemon bee balm remained a top culinary Monarda for drinks.