Lemon Verbena
Everything You Need to Know about Lemon Verbena
In this guide, we are going to cover all the need-to-know details about lemon verbena, including health benefits, recipes, and facts that you can share with your friends and family.
What is lemon verbena?
What does lemon verbena pair well with?
Different ways to enjoy lemon verbena
What are the health benefits of lemon verbena?
What is lemon verbena?
Lemon verbena is a plant that is commonly grown for its fragrant leaves, which have a lemony scent. It's a type of herb that belongs to the Verbenaceae family, and it's native to South America. Lemon verbena is usually grown as a small shrub, and it can grow up to 6 feet tall if not pruned regularly.
What does lemon verbena pair well with?
Lemon verbena has a unique and delightful lemony flavor that pairs well with a variety of other foods. Here are some common pairings:
Different ways to enjoy lemon verbena
Lemon Verbena's tangy flavor complements a variety of fruits like peaches, apricots, and plums, and its citrusy notes complement the sweetness of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
The warm and slightly spicy flavor of ginger pairs well with the citrusy notes of lemon verbena as does the fresh, cool taste of mint.
What are the health benefits of lemon verbena?
Delicious AND nutritious, this yummy plant is packing more than a lemony-fresh finish. Check out some of the powerful health benefits of lemon verbena:
Digestive health: Lemon verbena has been traditionally used as a digestive aid, helping to relieve indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Stress and anxiety relief: Lemon verbena has a calming effect on the body and mind, making it a popular natural remedy for stress and anxiety.
Immune system support: Lemon verbena contains compounds that can help to boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections and illnesses.
Pain relief: The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon verbena may also help to reduce pain and discomfort, particularly in conditions like arthritis.
Skin health: Lemon verbena is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to protect and nourish the skin, reducing the signs of aging and improving overall skin health.
Fresh facts:
Since it’s lemony-fresh and may even have magical properties, lemon verbena is worth checking out. Here are some more fascinating facts about lemon verbena:
Lemon verbena is a perennial plant, which means it can live for several years if it's cared for properly.
In some cultures, lemon verbena is thought to bring magic and good luck and is used in rituals and ceremonies.
In South America, where lemon verbena is native, it's sometimes called "cedrón" and is used to make a popular herbal tea.
Lemon verbena is said to have a calming effect on the body and mind. Some people use it to help them relax and sleep better.
Lemon verbena, like other herbs, can also be dried and used in a variety of ways. But there are several benefits to eating herbs fresh instead of dried. Here are three of them:
Better flavor and aroma: Fresh herbs have a stronger and more complex flavor and aroma than dried herbs because their essential oils are more intact. When herbs are dried, some of their essential oils evaporate, which can lead to a loss of flavor and aroma.
More nutrients: Fresh herbs contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than dried herbs.
Versatility: Fresh herbs can be used in a wider variety of recipes than dried herbs.
To dry lemon verbena, so that you have it when the fresh herb is not available, rinse and dry several stems, then bundle them together with an elastic and hang them upside down until dry.
This Week’s Harvest
This Week’s Harvest is a one-time purchase to taste the season's goodness. It includes vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, crisp microgreens, and hearty root vegetables, all freshly harvested and delivered to your front door.
Taste This Week’s Harvest for yourself, and then let us know your thoughts. Or, come by for a tour. We are always eager to meet the families we feed and to show off exactly where our food came from.
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