How to Dry Bee Balm A Step-by-Step Guide
Bee balm, also known as bergamot or monarda, is a fragrant herb that has been treasured for centuries for its vibrant beauty and numerous medicinal uses From soothing teas to aromatic potpourris, dried bee balm is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many projects But improper drying can cause your harvested bee balm to lose potency and flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the best practices for drying bee balm to preserve its aromatic and beneficial properties.
Choose the Right Time to Harvest
Timing is everything when harvesting bee balm for drying. For peak flavor and essential oil content, harvest bee balm just after the first couple of flowers on the stalks have opened. Early to mid-morning, after the dew has dried, is the ideal time to cut bee balm. The essential oils that give bee balm its fragrance and medicinal benefits are most concentrated in the morning hours.
Use Clean, Sharp Shears
Use gardening shears, scissors, or pruners that have been cleaned and sanitized to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria onto your harvest. Dull tools will crush the stems, leading to undesirable black or brown spots. Make cuts just above leaf nodes, selecting stalks with several sets of healthy leaves.
Remove Excess Foliage
Strip off and compost any flowers, leaves, or stems that are damaged, wilted or discolored. You only want to dry perfect, pristine leaves and flowers to ensure optimal quality. Also remove any leaves or foliage near the base of the stems.
Dry Upside Down in Small Bunches
Gather 5-10 stems together and secure the ends with a rubber band or twine. Hang these small bunches upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Dry indoors or in a shed or garage, choosing an area with good airflow. The leaves and flowers will slowly dry from the stems over one to two weeks.
Use a Dehydrator
A food dehydrator provides consistent low heat and airflow to rapidly dry bee balm, usually within 8-24 hours. Spread leaves and flowers in a single layer over the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature between 95°F to 115°F. Check periodically and remove dry materials quickly to avoid over-drying.
Dry Screen Method Outdoors
On hot dry days, bee balm can be spread over mesh screens outdoors to dry. Use irrigation screen or aluminum window screen propped up on blocks. Place in full sun but avoid direct hot sun to prevent burning. Bring indoors at night or if humidity rises. Stir periodically. This method can take one to two weeks.
Oven Dry with Care
As a last resort, bee balm can be dried in the oven using the lowest temperature setting, generally between 150-200°F. Spread leaves in a single layer on trays lined with parchment paper. Keep the oven door propped open and watch closely to prevent scorching. This method usually takes about one to two hours.
How to Tell When Bee Balm Is Dry
Bee balm is ready when leaves crumble easily and flowers are crispy and brittle. Stems should be brittle and snap easily when bent. If thick stems are still pliable, press flowers and leaves into a jar or bag and allow the stems to dry further before discarding. Dried materials should not feel moist or cool to the touch.
Storage Tips
To retain the precious oils and preserves the flavor and potency of dried bee balm, store in airtight glass jars or envelopes in a cool, dark location. Never store fresh and dried herbs together, as moisture from fresh materials can ruin dried herbs. Label jars with the herb name and date harvested. Use within one year for best quality.
Infuse Oils and Vinegars
To deeply impart bee balm’s flavor into your cooking, consider infusing the dried leaves and flowers into olive oil or vinegar. Steep the dried herbs in oil or vinegar in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks before straining out the herbs. These infused liquids make great gifts!
Culinary Uses
Whole dried leaves retain more aroma and flavor than crumbled leaves. Use them to make flavorful teas, add zing to lemonade and cocktails, or spice up salad dressings and marinades. Sprinkle the crumbled dried flowers and leaves into baked goods, omelets, and rice or grain dishes. The flavor pairs well with chicken, seafood, tomatoes, corn and zucchini.
Crafting with Dried Bee Balm
The showy dried flowers and aromatic leaves can be used to create a variety of crafts. Add them to potpourri, use them to dye wool or other fibers, or add them to homemade soap, bath bombs and sachets. Insert stems into floral arrangements or wreaths for visual interest and a pop of scent.
Medicinal Uses
Dried bee balm retains many of the same medicinal properties as the fresh herb. Use it in teas, tinctures, infusions or salves to soothe headaches, ease anxiety, suppress coughs, reduce fevers and treat skin irritations.
With the proper harvesting and drying techniques, the distinctive flavor and aroma of bee balm can be preserved to enjoy all year long. Follow these suggestions for maximizing and retaining the magical properties of one of nature’s most useful and beautiful herbs.
Cold brew method for making tea
You may have heard of cold brewed coffee, but what about cold brewed tea? This way of making tea uses time instead of heat to infuse the tea. It does take a little longer than regular tea kettle tea, but it’s a great way to get back to basics that you shouldn’t miss. Plus, the tea is already cold when you start, which is nice in the hot summer months.
Bee Balm iced tea is a refreshing herbal tea
I love iced drinks more as the summer gets warmer. This year, I have a beautiful patch of raspberry-colored bee balm growing in my yard, so I’m using the petals to make an easy cold brew tea. Right now, it makes a natural, refreshing drink. This winter, I’ll dry the flowers and leaves and use them to make a hot tea that will help with the flu.
Monarda Bee Balm Drying, Grinding, and Using!
FAQ
Are bee balm leaves good for anything?
How do you harvest and store bee balm?
How do you preserve bee balm flowers?
How do you Dry bee balm?
The quickest way to dry bee balm is by using a dehydrator. Spread the leaves out on the screens and dry at a low temperature. Check every 30-minutes until completely dry. You can tell when the leaves are dry, by crushing a leaf or two.
Can one wash a bee sting site with water and hand soap?
Yes, washing a bee sting site with water and hand soap is a recommended first aid measure. When a bee stings, it leaves behind a venomous substance that can cause pain, swelling, and irritation. Washing the area with water and hand soap helps to remove any venom residue, dirt, or bacteria from the skin, reducing the risk of infection and minimizing the sting’s effects. After washing the area, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If there is any sign of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention.
How long does bee balm take to dry?
It’s good to cut bee balm back to promote stronger growth the next year. You can tie the ends of the stems and hang to dry in a warm place. Or, pick the leaves and petals from the stalks, spread them out on a screen and allow them to dry naturally away from dust. Drying can take from 1-2 weeks. Alternately you can use a dehydrator.
Where can I use dried bee balm?
Just like the fresh plant, you can use the dried leaves anywhere you’d use dried oregano or thyme. You can use dried bee balm anywhere you would use dried oregano, but some recipes and methods are better than others. Here’s a few ideas I’ve tried, and some that are on the list: Add dried bergamot to all-purpose tomato or pizza sauce.
How do you use bee balm leaves?
There’s two ways you can use bee balm leaves and flowers in cooking: fresh, and dried. The fresh green leaves of the plant add a great flavor to sauces, especially tomato sauces, soups, marinades and vinaigrettes, and basically anywhere you’d use fresh oregano or thyme. Fresh, I use the leaves to make salmoriglio sauce.
Is bee balm a good home remedy?
Bee balm has antimicrobial properties and it is soothing like others in the mint family. This makes it a popular home remedy for soothing sore throats, and coughs. Try making an oxymel (an herbal infusion that uses honey and vinegar) of bee balm to have on hand the next time you’re feeling under the weather.