Lemon balm, a popular herb with a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses, is known for its zesty citrus aroma and flavor. Drying lemon balm preserves its fragrance and countless benefits for an extended period. Here are the 11 steps on how to dry lemon balm properly:

1. Harvesting: Pick lemon balm in the morning when its essential oils are most concentrated. Choose healthy stems with vibrant green leaves, free of any discoloration or damage.

2. Cleaning: Rinse the stems gently under cold water to remove dirt, insects, or any residues from the plant. Shake off excess water to ensure they don’t mold during the drying process.

3. Bundling: Gather several stems together (4-6) and tie them into a small bundle using twine or rubber bands. Be cautious not to bunch too many stems, as it could result in uneven drying.

4. Labeling: If you’re drying multiple herbs simultaneously, use tags to label each bundle accordingly.

5. Prepping for hanging: Attach a longer piece of twine or string to the bundle’s tied end and create a loop for hanging.

6. Selecting a drying location: Choose a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to hang your lemon balm bundles. Sunlight degrades essential oils and alters color, decreasing overall quality.

7. Hanging the bundles: Hang your lemon balm bundles upside down, ensuring there is adequate space between each for proper air circulation.

8. Waiting period: Drying time varies depending on humidity levels; generally, it takes 1-3 weeks for lemon balm leaves to become completely dry and brittle to touch.

9. Removing dried leaves: Once fully dried, carefully remove the leaves from their stems by gently running your fingers across each stem’s length.

10. Storing dried lemon balm: Choose an airtight glass container or a resealable plastic bag to store your dried leaves. Make sure the container is free of moisture to avoid spoilage.

11. Label and date: Don’t forget to label and date your container to keep track of its freshness.

With these 11 steps, you now know how to effectively harvest, dry, and store lemon balm for long-term use. Use dried lemon balm in teas, culinary recipes, or even natural remedies to enjoy the exquisite flavors and benefits it offers.