Can you use lemon balm straight from the garden for tea?

Yes, but with caution. You can brew tea using fresh lemon balm straight from your garden, but it’s best to rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects. Also, fresh leaves have a milder flavor and may require more quantity than dried ones. For consistent results, most tea lovers prefer dried lemon balm.

How do you preserve lemon balm for tea?

To preserve lemon balm, you must dry it completely and then store it in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and heat. Choose methods like air drying , oven drying at low temperatures , or using a dehydrator . Once dried, keep it in a dark glass jar or tin and use within 6–12 months for the best flavor and health benefits.

PAA3: Should you wash lemon balm before drying?

Absolutely. Always wash lemon balm under cool running water before drying, especially if it’s from the garden. Pat it dry thoroughly with a clean towel and let it air dry for 30–60 minutes before you start the drying process. This prevents mold and ensures clean, flavorful tea.

PAA4: Is it better to air dry or dehydrate lemon balm?

It depends on your climate and preference . Air drying is ideal if you live in a dry area and don’t mind waiting a week. It preserves flavor exceptionally well. Dehydrators are faster (4–6 hours) and more consistent, making them great if you want to process larger batches or live in a humid environment. Both methods work—just avoid high heat and direct sunlight to retain potency.

How do you make lemon balm tea from dried leaves?

To brew dried lemon balm tea: Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm to a tea infuser or teapot. Pour in 1 cup of hot water (around 200°F). Let it steep for 5–10 minutes , covered. Strain and enjoy with optional honey or lemon. It’s that simple! Adjust steeping time or leaf quantity to taste.

Can dried lemon balm lose its potency over time?

Yes. While dried lemon balm can last up to a year, it starts losing potency after 6–8 months . Exposure to air, light, and humidity speeds up this process. Always store it in a cool, dark, and airtight container to maximize shelf life.

Drying Lemon Balm Leaves for Tea – 3 Easy & Proven Methods -

Name: Drying Lemon Balm Leaves for Tea: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486255H23M12S
Yield: Varies based on harvest
Cuisine: Herbalism
Ingredients: Fresh lemon balm leaves (just before flowering stage); Cool running water (for rinsing); Kitchen towel or paper towels (for drying); String or rubber bands (for bundling); Optional: paper bags with holes (for air drying); Optional: dehydrator or oven; Glass jars or airtight containers for storage

Description

Learn how to harvest, dry, and store lemon balm leaves to make flavorful herbal tea year-round.

Ingredients

Fresh lemon balm leaves (just before flowering stage)

Cool running water (for rinsing)

Kitchen towel or paper towels (for drying)

String or rubber bands (for bundling)

Optional: paper bags with holes (for air drying)

Optional: dehydrator or oven

Glass jars or airtight containers for storage

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Harvest lemon balm in the morning before it flowers for best aroma and potency.

2. Gently rinse the leaves under cool running water and pat dry with a towel.

3. Let the leaves air dry on a clean surface for 30–60 minutes until moisture is gone.

4. Trim stems above leaf nodes and bundle 5–10 stems together with twine or rubber bands.

5. Choose a drying method: hang bundles in a dry room, use a dehydrator at 95°F–115°F, or bake in an oven at the lowest setting.

6. For air drying, hang upside down in a cool, dark place for 5–10 days.

7. For dehydrators, dry for 4–6 hours, checking periodically.

8. For ovens, dry for 1–2 hours with the door slightly open; check every 15 minutes.

9. When leaves crumble easily and release strong lemon scent, they are done.

10. Store dried leaves in airtight glass jars, labeled and dated, in a cool, dark location.

Notes

Avoid drying in direct sunlight as it degrades essential oils.

Use dried lemon balm within 6–12 months for best flavor and potency.

Mix dried lemon balm with chamomile or mint for soothing tea blends.

Always check for mold or musty scent before using stored herbs.

Crush dried leaves only when ready to brew to preserve aroma.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Herbal
Method: Drying
Cuisine: Herbalism

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup brewed tea
Calories: 0
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg