Out of Lemon balm leaves, one case
Lemon balm leaves substitute - fresh and dried alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lemon verbena leaves
Same amount as the lemon balm leaves
The best substitutes for lemon balm leaves are lemon verbena, lemon thyme, or lemon zest. Lemon verbena provides the most similar flavor profile, while lemon thyme offers a more herbal note, and lemon zest gives pure citrus flavor.
- Best for —
- teas
One casethe full lemon balm card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of lemon balm leaves |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lemon verbena leavesteas | Same amount |
| 2 | Lemon thyme leavescooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Lemon zestbaking | Same amount |
| 4 | Lemon basil leavescooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Dried lemon balmteas | Same amount |
Lemon verbena leaves
similar citrus flavor, more intense
Fresh or dried lemon verbena leaves provide the most similar flavor to lemon balm
- Best for
- teas, desserts, cooking, baking
- Texture
- similar to lemon balm leaves
More intense flavor than lemon balm, use slightly less.
Lemon thyme leaves
herbal with citrus notes
Fresh or dried lemon thyme provides a herbal citrus flavor
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, savory dishes
- Texture
- similar to lemon balm leaves
More herbal flavor than lemon balm, good for savory dishes.
Lemon zest
pure citrus, no herbal notes
Fresh lemon zest provides pure citrus flavor without herbal notes
- Best for
- baking, desserts, cooking, seasoning
- Texture
- different - zest rather than leaves
More concentrated flavor, use sparingly.
Lemon basil leaves
sweet citrus with herbal notes
Fresh lemon basil provides a sweet, citrusy flavor with herbal notes
- Best for
- cooking, salads, desserts, beverages
- Texture
- similar to lemon balm leaves
Sweet, citrusy flavor with basil undertones.
Dried lemon balm
same as fresh, more concentrated
Dried lemon balm leaves provide the same flavor in concentrated form
- Best for
- teas, cooking, seasoning, when fresh is unavailable
- Texture
- dried leaves, rehydrate for cooking
Use half the amount of fresh leaves.
How it behaves in this recipe
Lemon balm leaves substitutes focus on providing similar citrus and herbal flavors for cooking, teas, and desserts. The key is choosing alternatives that match the intended use - fresh herbs for cooking, dried for teas, and zest for baking.
Tips for substituting lemon balm leaves
8 tips- Fresh herbs are always preferred over dried for the best flavor
- Lemon verbena is the closest substitute in terms of flavor profile
- Use lemon thyme for savory dishes where you want herbal notes
- Lemon zest works best in baking and desserts
- Dried herbs are more concentrated - use half the amount of fresh
- Add herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors
- Store fresh herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels
- Freeze fresh herbs in ice cube trays with water for longer storage
Notes on lemon balm leaves
- Try a combination of different lemon herbs for complex flavors
- Use lemon balm essential oil for concentrated flavor in small amounts
- Consider growing your own lemon balm for the freshest flavor
- Experiment with different citrus zests for varied flavors
- Mix lemon herbs with other aromatic herbs for unique combinations
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for lemon balm leaves?
Lemon verbena leaves are the best substitute as they have the most similar flavor profile. Lemon thyme is also excellent, especially for savory dishes, while lemon zest works well for baking and desserts.
Can I use dried lemon balm instead of fresh?
Yes, dried lemon balm can be used instead of fresh, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will be slightly different but still good.
How do I store fresh lemon balm leaves?
Store fresh lemon balm leaves in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels, or freeze them in ice cube trays with water. They'll keep for about a week in the fridge.
Can I use lemon balm leaves in cooking?
Yes, lemon balm leaves can be used in cooking, but add them at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor. They work well in salads, desserts, and light dishes.
What's the difference between lemon balm and lemon verbena?
Lemon balm has a milder, more subtle flavor, while lemon verbena is more intense and floral. Both have citrus notes, but lemon verbena is stronger and more aromatic.