melissa syrup

It is only the end of May and melissa (or lemon balm) at our garden more then half meter high. We usually do syrup from flowers of elderberry but why not try this time something else :) This herb has wonderful smell of lemon and has also healing effects on human body.

uses in medicine - healing effects

It has lemon scent and  taste after honey. Nowadays is really popular herbs in our stressful life. It is extraordinary drug to calm the whole organism. It has not only act on the nervous system and psyche, but treats all the organs of the body affected by stress. It has excellent soporific effects as on children as and adults. 

culinary use

Melissa is often used as a flavouring in herbal teas and syrups often in combination with other herbs such as mint.  We can use it as a decoration for desserts or in fish dishes as well.

melissa syrup 

ingredients:

20 stems of melissa herb

1,7l water

1kg sugar

20g citric acid

1 lemon 

1. Boil the water and wait until is cooled little bit (you can hold the finger in it).
2. Put the stems or just leaves in the water.
3. Let it rest for 24 hours. (I did just for 12 hours, but I used more then 30 stems).
4. Decant water with herbs and boil it.
5. Add the sugar, citirc acid and juice form lemon.
6. Boil it until the sugar is dissolvd and continue boiling for 2-3 mins.
7. Fill prepared glasses.

You can use this syrup as a sweetener for tea, prepare herb juice or just mix hot water with few spoons of syrup as I did. After the stressful day you can enjoy cup of hot melissa tea and read some nice book :)

have a nice evening :)