Lemon aromas have a refreshing and relaxing effect. They help to create a light, carefree atmosphere, suitable for the period of holidays, vacations and hot summer days.That is why it is worth having them close in the lemon-scented part of the herbal bed or between blooming perennials by the terrace.
The choice of these exceptional plants is wide, and many species are perfect partners for other fragrant perennials, as well as medicinal and spice herbs. Aloysia thryphylla stands out with its pure lemon aroma. Its narrow, rough leaves are so saturated with essential oils that even a slight agitation releases their incomparable fragrance.
The mild taste of lippia does not exclude its intense aroma. This makes the South American shrub clearly superior to other lemon herbs. Mediterranean spice plants, such as lemon thyme and lemon mountain savory, contain substances with a herbal or sweetish odor and flavor, accompanied by a sweet to fruity citrus note.
Lemon herbs in the kitchen
Such richness contributes to the diversification of our cuisine.The essential oils in the leaves, such as citral and citronella oil, are responsible for the herbal aromas.A little aromatherapy can be applied in the garden or at home, inhaling the invigorating scents of plants. Essential oils are released when shaking or rubbing not only the leaves of lippia, but also the scented pelargonium and thyme.
In the kitchen, herbs are used where a slight lemon scent is desired, but without the addition of dominant fruit acids. We can add them to herb butter, sauces, soups, salads, desserts.Beginner chefs are advised to familiarize themselves with recipes for dishes with lemon-scented plants.
Reproduction
Herbs whose stems become woody at the base, such as savory, mint, lemon balm and thyme, can be easily propagated from cuttings. To do this, cut the strong apical sections of the shoots about 10 cm long, on which no flower buds have yet appeared.Leaves from the lower parts of the cuttings carefully peel off so as not to damage the skin of the shoot.
In the case of large-leaved species, such as lemon verbena, cut the remaining leaves halfway. Plant the shoots in small pots to a depth of 5 cm in the soil for sowing or in a 1: 1 mixture of compost and sand.The substrate should be moist.When a new shoot appears, plant the plants in the designated place.
We recommend these herbs!
- Tagetes lemmonii lemon has a herbal-lemon scent.Season the food carefully with its edible leaves and flowers.Winter the bush in a frost-free place.
- Lemon balm is a perennial and also grows well in partial shade. As it begins to bloom, the leaves lose their lemon flavor. Tightly trimmed, it will quickly sprout new shoots with extremely aromatic leaves.
- Lemon basil is an annual plant grown from seed.Frequent pinching of single leaves or tops of shoots makes it compact and does not bloom.
- Lemongrass is an important spice in Asian cuisine. We can grow it on a balcony or terrace in a sunny or semi-shaded place. We bring the pot home for the winter.
- Lime mint 'Sweet Lemon' has the flavor of bergamot oranges and mandarin. Leaves and flowers are used to flavor fruit salads and refreshing drinks. Mint is quite an expansive plant, so you need to provide enough space in the bed.
- The lemon-scented St. John's wort grows out as a small semi-shrub.Tea is made from flowers and young leaves with a relaxing and calming effect.
- The Monarda citriodora lemonhead flower blooms from June to August. Aromatic tea is obtained from its fragrant leaves. It is a not very picky species, grows in the sun and in partial shade on moderately fertile, moist soil.
