Today's post is a fun one for me!
I have been growing lemon balm in my garden the last two years. Last year, I didn't do anything with it. This year, however, I was determined to make that plant shine in my kitchen! Today, therefore, I made Lemon Balm Tea!
My husband has a friend over who can help him with a few projects he has been wanting to get to for a while. I figured since it is so hot and humid, they need to stay well hydrated and refreshed. Right!? Perfect guinea pigs!!
To make the tea, you will need two packed cups of whole lemon balm leaves.
Make sure to wash the leaves well in cold water and add them to a two quart jar or other container you may have that is safe for boiling water.
Bring two quarts (or close to it) of water to a rolling boil, and pour the water over the leaves.
With a spoon, push the leaves down and bruise them a bit to release the flavor and beneficial oils from the leaves.
It doesn't take long for the color of the water to start to change. Only let the leaves steep for ten minutes, though. Isn't it so lovely?
While that is doing its beautiful thing, measure out a cup (more or less depending upon your tastes) of sugar into a one gallon container. Stir in one or two quarts of water to dissolve the sugar.
After ten minutes, the tea is done. I think it is just so pretty! It just amazes me that this all started one very cold day with a teeny-tiny seed I planted inside!
Using a strainer to catch the leaves, pour the tea into the gallon container with the dissolved sugar.
Add extra water, if needed, to fill the gallon container. Give it a quick stir, and the lemon balm tea is done!
Serve it in a frosty glass with a spring of fresh mint or dehydrated lemon ring, and you'll have a perfect treat to beat the summer heat!
Until we meet again, may you be blessed!