Lemon balm and lemon verbena are two herbs that are frequently confused due to their similar lemony scent and flavor. However, there are some notable differences between these two plants that are important to understand if you want to cook with them or grow them in your garden. In this article, we’ll take a close look at lemon balm and lemon verbena and compare their origins, flavors, uses, cultivation requirements and more.
A Brief History of Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family that likely originated in western Asia, the Mediterranean region or southeastern Europe It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and as a flavoring for foods and beverages The genus name “Melissa” refers to the Greek word for “honey bee” and reflects this plant’s long history of attracting bees.
Lemon verbena is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Chile and Peru It has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century when it was brought over from the New World In Europe, lemon verbena became popular as a medicinal herb and flavoring agent. The term “verbena” refers to sacred plants historically used for medicine and ceremonies.
So while these two plants both impart a lemony flavor, they have very different origins and histories of use.
Flavor Differences Between Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
Although lemon balm and lemon verbena smell similar, there are subtle differences in their flavor profiles:
-
Lemon balm has a milder, more subtle lemon and herbaceous flavor. It has grassy mint notes as well. The flavor is not as intense as lemon verbena.
-
Lemon verbena has a very strong, pure lemon flavor with a hint of spice. It is more potent and bright than lemon balm.
Lemon verbena is considered to have a superior lemon flavor that really shines in recipes. Lemon balm is milder in taste.
When substituting one herb for another, use about 25% more lemon balm than lemon verbena to achieve a similar lemony punch.
How Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena Are Used
Both lemon balm and lemon verbena can be used to infuse a bright lemon flavor into recipes. Popular uses include:
- Herbal teas and tisanes
- Flavored waters, lemonades, cocktails
- Marinades, salad dressings, sauces
- Baked goods like cakes, cookies, scones
- Jams, custards, ice cream
- Vinegars, honey, sugar
- Potpourris and sachets
Lemon verbena has a bolder lemon presence that stands out when added to sweet or savory dishes. Lemon balm has a more subdued flavor that tends to get lost.
Medicinal Uses
Historically, both herbs have been used for their medicinal properties, usually as teas or tinctures. Lemon balm is considered calming and soothing. It has been used to reduce stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Lemon verbena is said to aid digestion.
However, these medicinal effects have not been scientifically proven. The herbs should not replace medical treatment.
Growing Conditions for Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena
While lemon balm and lemon verbena both thrive in loose, well-drained soil, they have slightly different growing requirements:
-
Lemon balm is easy to grow in a wide range of climates. It tolerates part shade and cool conditions. This mint spreads rapidly and can be invasive. It dies back in winter and regrows the following spring. Grow lemon balm in zones 4-9.
-
Lemon verbena needs full sun and warmer weather. It can struggle in cool coastal areas and should be grown in zones 8-10. Lemon verbena grows as a woody shrub that can reach 5-10 feet tall in frost-free regions. It may die back in winter in colder zones.
Both plants require regular watering and good drainage. Lemon verbena is not as aggressive and easy to cultivate as lemon balm.
Availability and Cost
You are more likely to find fresh lemon balm for sale than lemon verbena. Lemon balm grows abundantly and spreads easily, making it a common choice for home herb gardens. Commercial growers favor it as well. Lemon verbena is less common and can be difficult to find fresh.
When purchasing dried herbs, lemon verbena tends to be more expensive due to lower availability. Lemon balm is affordable and easy to find dried.
If you want to cook with lemon verbena, consider growing it yourself. The plant can produce an abundant harvest in frost-free regions. Drying excess fresh leaves can provide a year-round lemon verbena supply.
Potential Side Effects
Lemon balm and lemon verbena are considered safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, very high doses of lemon verbena taken as a supplement may cause stomach upset.
Lemon balm can interact with certain medications that are broken down by the liver. Talk to your doctor before taking lemon balm if you take any prescription medicines.
Our Recommendation
We recommend using lemon verbena over lemon balm when possible due to its superior, intense lemon flavor. However, lemon balm works well when lemon verbena is unavailable. It can also be more cost effective for large batches of recipes.
If you want an easy-growing lemon-scented herb, choose lemon balm. For the true bright lemon flavor, look for lemon verbena. Let your recipe needs and growing conditions guide you in deciding between these two flavorful herbs.
ediblegardens52 is about 52 weeks of edible gardening in coastal Southern California. I write about gardens, food, family, community and place.
Looking for something specific? Here are some things I’ve written about. Search any of these. – Apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula, beets, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, garlic, guavas, insects, kale, kohlrabi, kumquats, lettuce, limes, marionberries, mustard, oranges, radishes, raised beds, rhubarb, scallions, snow peas, spinach, squash, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes, warm season garden, zucchini
Why we’re WASTING this beautiful Lemon Balm, and you should too!
FAQ
Which is better, lemon verbena or lemon balm?
Who should not drink lemon verbena tea?
When not to use lemon balm?
What is the difference between verbena and lemon verbena?
Is lemon verbena the same as lemon balm?
This plant is sometimes confused with bee balm, a similar-looking plant (when not flowering) that is also in the mint, Lamiaceae, family. In contrast to the herbaceous lemon balm, lemon verbena is a woody shrub that can grow up to 15 feet high and 20 feet wide. Like lemon balm, its leaves produce a strongly aromatic lemon scent.
What does lemon verbena look like?
In contrast to the herbaceous lemon balm, lemon verbena is a woody shrub that can grow up to 15 feet high and 20 feet wide. Like lemon balm, its leaves produce a strongly aromatic lemon scent. The leaves are shiny and narrowly lanceolate-shaped with a glossy sheen. It produces tiny white flowers on the stalk at the top of the plant.
Can you grow lemon balm & lemon verbena?
Growing lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is easy. In this Gardeners’ World programme clip, Monty Don explains the different conditions they each need and how to get the best from these deliciously fragrant herbs.
Can you use lemon verbena for anxiety?
Lemon verbena will not make a good lemon balm as a treatment for anxiety. Despite the differences above, these two herbs work almost equally well in most applications. Use them interchangeably in marinades and salad dressings as well as for garnishing cocktails. When should you use lemon balm and when should you use lemon verbena?