- Lemon Balm and Mint are from the same mint family. But lemon balm is of the Melissa spp., while Mint is Monarda spp.
- There is only one lemon balm, but Mint has over 40 varieties. The most common being spearmint.
- They differ in appearance, use, health benefits, taste, and aroma.
- Lemon Balm has soothing and calm properties, while Mint is a great way to remove bad breath.
- You can substitute lemon balm and mint in dishes and drinks. Ensure the spice switch aligns with your goal in the end.
Is lime a good substitute for lemon?
Lime juice is the best substitute for lemon juice, as it can be used as a one-to-one replacement and has a very similar taste and acidity level ( 5 ). In desserts in which lemon juice is a key ingredient, lime juice imparts a slightly different flavor.
Is lemon balm and lemon grass the same?
Lemongrass is a grass, not a shrub like lemon balm. Unlike lemon balm, lemongrass does not have a strong minty undertone. The flavor profile is primarily the lemon note against a mildly herbaceous background, the result is a more astringent flavor profile than you would get from lemon balm. Also question is, what is the benefit of lemon balm?
Can lemon can be substituted as lemon?
When zesting a lemon, be careful to avoid reaching the pith which is the white stuff beneath the peel. This has a very bitter taste which will overshadow the lemon and spoil the dish. This is easily the best substitute for lemon extract and it can be used to replace pretty much any lemon-flavored ingredient in any recipe.
Does lemon balm really help with anxiety?
Several clinical studies have shown that lemon balm, when combined with other calming herbs, can effectively reduce anxiety, stress and treat insomnia. Combination herbs are commonly used instead of single ingredients to maximize benefits.
Is lemon balm considered a mint?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine and flavor foods.
How can you tell lemon balm?
Recognize it Lemon balm is part of the mint family and like all mints has square stems. It is best known for its fresh lemon scent. Crush the leaves between your thumb and forefinger, it's unmistakably lemony. The leaves are oval and have a toothed edge.
Is lemon balm invasive like mint?
If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it's the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.
Is lemon mint and bee balm the same?
Some other common names for lemon bee balm plants are purple horsemint, lemon mint, plains horsemint, and horsemint. Lemon bee balm is an herbaceous annual that is native to the central and southern U.S. and northern Mexico. It's fairly common along roads and in pastures or prairies in these areas.
Does lemon balm smell like mint?
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
What does a lemon balm flower look like?
The oval or heart-shaped, slightly toothed leaves are held tightly in pairs at each stem joint. The white tiny flowers are fairly inconspicuous. The inconspicuous white flowers, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tinge, bloom in the leaf axils throughout the summer and are attractive to bees.
Can you eat lemon mint leaves?
As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.
Does lemon balm plant keep mosquitoes away?
Lemon Balm The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
Can you eat lemon balm?
Today, lemon balm is used in traditional medicine as both a sleep aid and digestive tonic. It can be consumed as tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in balms and lotion. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy, where it's used to relieve stress and keep you calm.
Can you eat lemon mint flowers?
Can you eat mint flowers? Mint flowers are edible and have a similar taste to the leaves. They are minty and fragrant, although the aromas are not as intense as those of the leaves. Depending on the mint variety, the flowers can also have notes of lemon, grapefruit, apple, and even a hint of chocolate.
What does lemon bee balm look like?
Known by a number of common names, lemon beebalm is a 1-2 ft., aromatic winter annual with unusual, tuft-like, lavender to pink, whorled flower heads. Each whorl in the elongated spike is subtended by whitish or lavender, leaf-like bracts.
Does bee balm smell like mint?
The plant has a spicy aroma that tastes like a mix of spearmint and peppermint, with a sharp oregano tang. Native Americans traditionally used bee balm as a seasoning for wild game—particularly fowl—but it also goes well with lamb.
Lemon Balm Vs Mint: Differences
Even though they both come from the same family, it is essential to note that they come from different branches of that family.
Similarities Between Lemon Balm and Mint
Both plants of lemon balm and mint enjoy being planted in a sunny area in a spot that is partially shaded; they also like plenty of rainwater because this would have their roots in well-drained soil.
Can You Substitute Lemon Balm For Mint And Vice Versa?
The established differences between the flavors of lemon balm and mint are too crucial that one cannot be used in place of the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use lemon balm in preparing dishes that can benefit from a mild citrus note. This would include fish and poultry preparations. You can also use a touch of lemon as well as a subtle mint flavor to improve salad dressings.
Conclusion
If you have been thinking about which one to choose between lemon balm and mint, we hope we have been able to provide answers to your questions. Lemon balm vs mint is all dependent on preference.
What Is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard is the French version of mustard. It has a paste consistency and is a common condiment used for glazes, sauces, and sandwich toppings.
What Is Yellow Mustard?
Yellow mustard is also known as American mustard with a bright yellow color; it is a common condiment known for its capabilities as a classic topping on things like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, and sandwiches.
Summary
Lemon balm and Mint have similar origins. They are both from the mint family. Yet, lemon balm has a lemony taste with mild mint undertones, while Mint is sweet with a menthol feel.
Uses of Lemon Balm and Mint in the Kitchen
Every spice brings its unique taste and flavor to your dish. Yet, lemon balm and mint can substitute for each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to switch the flavor of your meal, you can substitute both spices for each other.
How to make lemon balm more minty?
Similarly, you can make lemon balm more minty by adding a small amount of mint extract. When it comes to tea, lemon balm and mint are both popular herbs but have different properties. While both share characteristics when it comes to carminative and other digestive benefits, lemon balm works as a mild sleep aid and anxiolytic.
How many varieties of mint are there?
There is only one lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis) but there are over 40 varieties of mint.
Can you use lemon balm and mint interchangeably?
The differences between the flavors of lemon balm and mint are significant enough that they cannot be used interchangeably. Using them as 1:1 substitutes for each other will dramatically change the flavor profile of a dish. That said, these two herbs should work in many of the same applications.
Is minty lemon balm the same as lemon balm?
The result is that lemon balm and some of those mint varieties differ in both appearance and flavor. Lemon balm’s flavor is mildly lemony with a very subtle mint note, while mint’s flavor is simply minty with no lemon note.
Can you use mint in salad dressing?
This includes fish and poultry preparations. You may also find that salad dressings can be improved with a touch of lemon as well as a subtle mint flavor. Use mint in dishes where you want mint’s strong herbaceous character and cooling effect.
Is lemon balm the least versatile?
Lemon balm is arguably the least versatile of the two as far as its applications the western world are concerned. It is not as familiar and does not play as noticeable a role in popular dishes as mint.
Can you use mint in place of lemon balm?
That said, these two herbs should work in many of the same applications. For example, a cocktail that is normally made with lemon balm will most likely not be ruined if you use mint in its place. Similarly, a meat dish flavored with mint will usually still work if you switch it out with lemon balm.
The Difference Between Mint, Lemon Balm, and Catnip
Whether for medicinal purposes or savory preparations, there are countless herbs that are used all over the world. Each herb belongs to a unique plant family, which often has hundreds of members. With so many herbal species looking similar, it is not uncommon among gardeners to often confuse them.
Appearance
Mint plant grows from 6 inches to 3 feet high and spread up to 3 feet. It has matte-surfaced leaves that are usually dark green in color.
Taste
Fresh mint leaves tend to have a stronger flavor and a menthol taste. It leaves a lingering cool effect on the tongue.
Medicinal Uses
Eating fresh or dried leaves helps treat bad breath while inhaling essential oils improves brain function. Taking mint in supplements helps treat IBS and indigestion.
Final Word
Whilelemon balm, catnip, and mint are all popular herbs from the same plant family, they have different properties and benefits. Now that you know the differences and the benefits they have to offer, it's time to find the best products containing these herbs.
