Product Review

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla). Lemon Verbena is a shrub that grows to a height of 2-4 feet in most of the US. In very hot climates it grows much taller. It has a woody trunk and branches with tender stems holding long pointed leaves. Small, pale mauve flowers are produced from summer to autumn. Leaves have a strong lemon fragrance and flavor. Lemon verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and poultry dishes, vegetable marinades, salad dressings, jams, puddings, Greek yogurt and beverages. It also is used to make herbal teas, or added to standard tea in place of actual lemon (as is common with Moroccan tea). It can also be used to make a sorbet. Culinary Uses: Sprinkle over salads or vegetables for a lemony flavor. Use to flavor stuffing for meat.Stir into herb butter or cottage cheese. Makes a refreshing tea in combination with mint or alone. Good served iced. Use liberally when on a low salt diet. Try combining with dried celery and lovage leaves. Other Uses: Put leaves in the vacuum cleaner to freshen the house. An infusion will make a nice skin freshener an toner. Flowers can be used in arrangements. The leaves lend a pleasant sent to bed linens. Great for potpourri.