Herb
Monarda citriodora
B tier
Monarda citriodora is lemon bee balm or lemon mint—annual or short-lived, stacked pink bracts, and a clear lemon-oregano scent in the leaf. Brighter citrus than scarlet didyma; excellent for tea and light savoury rubs. Use fresh tips in iced tea and fruit salads. Less winter-hardy perennial behaviour than fistulosa.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
FlowerFresh LeafFruit SaladIced Tea
Traits
Annual TendencyBrightHerbalLemonLemon ScentPink BractsTea And Drink
History
US
Southern and plains regions used lemon-scented Monarda as a tea plant.
Botanical lists fixed Monarda citriodora among lemon monardas.
Herb farms sold lemon bee balm for citrus-herbal tea blends.
Chefs used M. citriodora flowers and leaves in summer drinks.