Herb Profile: Lemon Verbena

Herb Profile: Lemon Verbena

Greetings! 
We hope you're enjoying this change in weather as much as we are. The glimpse of spring brings a renewed sense of energy as we plan for life at the Farm to start bursting forth. Lots of exciting things happening here that we can't wait to share in the coming months!
Read along as we dive deeper into another herb grown on our Farm -  Lemon Verbena.

1. Common name: Lemon Verbena
2. Scientific name: Aloysia citrodora
3. History and country/region of origin: Lemon Verbena is endemic to the Amazon Region. The plant has a long history in traditional medicine as an herbal tea and cooking ingredient amongst many South American cultures. Due to colonial expansion and Lemon Verbena’s captivating aroma and flavor it also has a deeply woven history in Mediterranean society after being brought to Europe by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 1600s. Its flavor is found in all culinary circles, Lemon Verbena can be found in the finer dining, where it is used in marinades, sauces and dressings around the world. It is also used in commercial flavors; providing taste to many kombuchas and soft drinks.

4. Good for: Known for calming and uplifting aromatic effects; it is largely used for its smooth, bright flavor and aroma. Lemon verbena tea contains anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe joint pain. This effect also helps reduce stomach cramps. For this and its relaxing properties, Lemon verbena tea is often consumed after larger meals in the afternoon or evening. In summary, drinking a cup of lemon verbena tea can help ease stomach cramps, soothe the stomach for digestion and help reduce anxiety; plus, is great for athletes who put a lot of wear on active joints.

Product Spotlight

Here we have bundled together three of our favorite Lemon Verbena products to offer you a way to incorporate this beautiful herb throughout your day!

5. Works well with: Works great with lavender especially for their shared calming properties and complementary scents. Add Tulsi to balance their aromatic profiles with something a little more earthy and achieve an even greater calming effect.
6. Can be found in Barn Market products: Lemon Verbena Lip Butter, Afternoon Sun Herbal Tea, Lemon Verbena Hydrosol, Dried Lemon Verbena.

7. Food or cocktail recipe using Lemon Verbena products: Lemon Verbena hydrosol is a wonderful base to a salad dressing. Mix with about ½ part white wine vinegar, ¼ part honey, a pinch of salt and a bit of black pepper; add a bit of tahini if you want something a bit creamier, or yogurt and lemon juice if you prefer tangy. Dried (and Fresh) Lemon Verbena is great for marinating or cooking with white fish and shellfish; especially scallops, sea bass and halibut. There are some nice recipes online to try, or reach out to us for suggestions!