How to store dried and fresh lemon balm

Everyone, having lemon balm in their summer cottage, wants to stock up on its leaves and tops for a long time.

How to properly store fresh lemon balm leaves

It is no secret that it is fresh lemon balm that has the most healing properties, normalizing the functioning of the nervous system. But, unfortunately, it cannot remain in this state for long. The shelf life of fresh lemon balm is only 7 days. In order for it to be consumed during this period, the plant should be placed in a jar of water and covered with a bag, and then sent to the refrigerator, the temperature of which should not be higher than +5...+8 °C.

How to dry lemon balm for the winter

In order to stock up on lemon balm for the winter, it is best to dry its leaves. It is not advisable to freeze them, since at sub-zero temperatures the number of their useful elements will significantly decrease.

It is best to dry lemon balm in a shaded place, usually a canopy in the fresh air. For this process, you can also use a room where there is excellent air circulation. The plant should be placed on a clean, flat surface in one layer.It is advisable to turn the leaves to the other side once a day.

You can also dry lemon balm in small bunches suspended on strings or fences. The healing bouquet will only need a week to be fully ready for storage.

It is not recommended to process healthy herbs using a dryer or oven. Elevated temperatures will significantly reduce its medicinal value.

How to store dried lemon balm

Some housewives, before sending dry lemon balm for long-term storage, rub it between their palms, thus crushing the plant. But this is not a mandatory point.

Dried lemon balm is best stored in a glass container that closes airtight. Do not pack dried medicinal plants in plastic containers or polyethylene bags. Such containers do not allow lemon balm to “breathe” and it may acquire an unpleasant aroma over time.

It is possible to save healthy herbs in cardboard boxes, paper bags, and fabric bags. The main thing is that such containers with lemon balm are not stored near products that have a strong odor, or near other dried plants.

The room where the grass will be stored must have moderate temperature and humidity, and not be exposed to sunlight. Several times a month you should check the condition of lemon balm and, if necessary, remove “suspicious” leaves.

If all conditions are correctly met, the dried plant can be suitable for consumption for 2 years. In the first year it is most healing, and after that it begins to gradually lose its beneficial properties.

Learn more about preparing and storing herbs for the winter and drink aromatic healing tea all year round.