Lemon Verbena: An Under-used Gem

   I am pleased to be offering bags of fresh lemon verbena in store again!  I have just put our over-large plant back outside in the garden. My family looks forward to our lemon verbena every year & I consider it a true harbinger of the approaching Summer.
   Beyond its use in tea, many people are stumped by this herb & totally unsure how to use it.  I will share one of my favorite recipes here, as well as usage tips & links to sites with more detailed growing info & traditional medicinal uses for this amazing plant. If you haven't been using it, get to know Lemon Verbena--you will be glad you did!

​

Photo from OrganicFacts.net

  One of my favorites, both the leaves & flowers have both culinary & medicinal uses. Lemon Verbena has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for inflammation & joint pain, to aid digestion, for chest congestion, & even to facilitate weight loss.

​ Organic Facts website has detailed information on traditional uses for this herb  [organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lemon-verbena.html] as does Dr. Axe’s site [https://draxe.com/lemon-verbena/]  

  Lemon Verbena is an easy & tasty way to reap so many benefits.  Although it has been used for many years & is considered an extremely safe herb, please do check with your doctor before self-treating.

---

Bonnie Plant's Lemon Verbena Tea Cake Recipe Is FABULOUS!

---

​In the kitchen, Lemon Verbena has a multitude of uses. Many people are familiar with the delicious, digestion-aiding tea you can make with its leaves, lovely before & after meals.
​   Lemon Verbena leaves can also be used to flavor butters & sugars. Lemon Verbena sugar is particularly delicious on sugar cookies & tea cakes!   It is quite versatile & can be used for both savory & sweet dishes, foods & beverages. Try using the leaves in place of lemon zest or juice in your favorite chicken recipes-- Delicious!  lemon Verbena tastes like sunshine & Summer!

Use Lemon Verbena Syrup To Make This Tasty Aviatrix Cocktail

One of my favorite ways of using Lemon Verbena is to create a syrup with it. I then use the syrup to make homemade soda & cocktails. Super easy to make, it is a lovely, refreshing treat our family always looks forward to. I particularly like to use this syrup in a gin cocktail we call an Aviatrix, which is a riff on a classic Aviation.  To make the syrup, combine in a small saucepan:
¼ cup fresh Lemon Verbena leaves
1 cup water
1 cup sugar or xylitol
Bring to a boil, reduce heat & simmer for about 5 minutes. Strain & decant. Once it is cool, it is ready use!  Add 1 TBS to a tall glass of soda water & ice cubes for a delicious, old-fashioned soda. Or follow the recipe below to craft your very own Aviatrix cocktail!
2 oz Botanical Gin [I prefer Hendricks]
.75 oz Luxardo
.5 Lemon Juice
.5 Lemon Verbena Syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice; strain into coupe. ENJOY!

---

   We will have Lemon Verbena leaves available through fall here in our store or order online for pick-up. [sorry, we are unable to ship fresh herbs] Give it a try-- you may find you like it so much you wish to grow your own! Lemon Verbena is an easy to grow herb, but here in Maine must be brought inside to over-winter. All it really needs is good drainage & sun!  Here is a link to Bonnie Plants that details growing & caring for Lemon Verbena:  https://bonnieplants.com/how-to-grow/growing-lemon-verbena/   
   How do you use Lemon Verbena?  I am always eager to hear about new uses & recipes & I would love to hear from you!