Lemon mint, also known as purple horse mint or lemon bee balm, is a part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), which has a citrus smell. When crushed, the scent is reminiscent of the fruit of the actual lemon plant.
Lemon mint has purple flowers that prove irresistible to both bees and hummingbirds. Sometimes, especially late in the season, the odor is described as resembling oregano more than lemon.
It is easily grown in gardens and tends to expand into large colonies. Needs plenty of water. (Tip: plant under hose faucet.)
To flavor EVOO, insert one or more fresh stems of lemon mint into a glass bottle, sterilized in advance by washing it in hot water and drying it in hot oven, and add EVOO. Flavor will be noticeable after a few days, but will be more pervasive after a couple of weeks. The aroma and flavor of lemon mint are very strong, so please experiment to find your own taste. Should the flavor be to strong, transfer some flavored EVOO in a different container and add fresh extra virgin olive oil to the bottle containing the herb.
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