Herb
Scarlet Bee Balm
A tier
Scarlet bee balm is the common name for red-flowered Monarda didyma—whorls of scarlet tubes that hummingbirds love, leaves that brew into a spicy Oswego-style tea. Culinary intensity sits between oregano and mint. Use young tips in tea; flowers for colour on plates. Mature midsummer leaves can taste harsh if oversteeped.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
FlowerGarnishTeaYoung Leaf
Traits
Hummingbird PlantOswego TeaRed FlowerScarletSpicySpicy LeafTea
History
US
Oswego tea from scarlet bee balm entered colonial American herb lore.
US
Scarlet bee balm spread through cottage gardens as tea and ornament.
Nursery trade standardised scarlet bee balm for perennial borders.
Chefs revisited scarlet bee balm flowers as edible garnish.