Each weekend I cut a few bunches of our herbs to sell alongside our handmade products at market.
Last weekend I enjoyed watching people’s connection to nature ignite as they discovered new uses of plants that they already grow in their flower beds.
This week I would like to show you how to make a refreshing pitcher of lemon balm iced tea.
Lemon balm is a perennial herb, so once you plant it and it is established, you won’t have to plant it again. In fact, you’ll probably have more than you need, as this plant really likes to take up space and spread out.
Lemon balm requires full sun to partial shade and can be purchased at your local garden center. I purchased mine at Farm and Home a few years back. If you cut the plant back after it flowers, this will prevent it from spreading throughout your garden.
Now onto the tea!!
I enjoy making sun tea because it brings back memories of my Mom, doing the same, when I was a kid.
This tea has a subtle lemon flavor that is not overpowering. I would describe it as more refreshing than anything. You can adjust the amount of herb and syrup used if you would like a more lemony taste.
Here are the steps:
1) Snip off a bunch of lemon balm (or buy some at market)
2) Fill your sun tea jar with water, 4 tea bags and a handful of clean lemon balm leaves.
3) Set your jar in a sunny location.
4) Make ice cubes (if you want to go all out and feel super fancy)
Fill ice cube trays 1/2 way with water. Place
a lemon balm leaf I’m each cube. Freeze for 1 hour (Or until partially frozen). Remove and
fill the rest of the way up. This way your leaf
will be in the middle of your cube.
5). Make simple syrup:
Boil 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar until sugar dissolves and water is clear. Remove from heat and add a handful of
lemon balm leaves. Cover your saucepan
and let steep until room temperature.
6). After a few hours, when the tea is the strength you desire, bring your jar inside. place in refrigerator and allow tea to cool.
7). Place a few cubes in your cup, 2-3 tsp of simple syrup (more or less for your taste) and pour tea into your cup. Garnish with a lemon slice.
8) Sit on your back porch, draw a cool sip of tea, and Pat yourself on the back!
You can also add the simple syrup to your pitcher of tea to make for quicker drinking in the future. Our family has varying sweet tooth’s so I prefer to add mine separately to glasses.
P.S. The simple syrup can also be used for cocktails!
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