Herb
Monarda didyma
B tier
Monarda didyma is scarlet bee balm—the showy North American mint-family perennial with red tubular flowers and oregano-mint aromatic leaves. Culinary use focuses on young leaves for tea and flowers as edible garnish; flavour is spicy-herbal, not sweet floral. Steep leaves lightly for bergamot-like herb tea; scatter petals on salads. Strong when dried.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
DriedFlower GarnishFresh LeafTea
Traits
Edible FlowerScarlet Type SpeciesSpecies LevelSpicy HerbalSpicy MintTea LeafTea Worthy
History
US
Indigenous peoples of eastern North America used Monarda for tea and medicine.
Linnaeus named Monarda didyma from New World collections.
US
Settler gardens grew scarlet bee balm as ornamental and tea herb.
Culinary herb farms sold M. didyma leaves and flowers for tea blends.