Lemon vervain
(lippia citriodora, lippia triphylla)
VERBENACEAE
Curious Facts about lemon vervain
As most of herbs, lemon vervain was first appreciated by its medicinal properties, as digestive aid, and tonic. Its uses are similar to those of mint, orange blossom or lemon blam. The leaves retain their aroma for very long periods and they are also used in perfumery.
Lemon vervain is the leaves and flowering tops of a deciduous shrub indigenous to the Pacific coast of South America, now cultivated in many gardens, particularly in Europe. The leves have a pale green color, they grow in groups of three. The flowers are very small, pale lilac outside and white inside, blooming from mid to late summer and early fall.
The plant can reach 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m). The leaves die in winter, but the roots are perennial. Leaves are best harvested at flowering time, when their content in oil is highest, but they can be gathered at any time.
Lemon vervain is not easy to find at the grocery store, but easy to grow in the garden or in pots. In the kitchen, only the fresh leaves are used.
Lemon vervain leaves can be used to prepare an infusion, similar to tea. The leaves are also used to flavor desserts and ice creams. They can be added to savory dishes, at the same time as lemon would. The two of them are often used together.
The plan grows wild in its original countries. Otherwise, it is best propagated from softwood cuttings, gathering seeds is not recommended. It likes the sun. Keep it in a sunny place, watering regularly.
This is a suggestion. Lemon vervain has not been used very extensively in the kitchen, other than medicinal teas.
PEACH AND LEMON VERVAIN COCKTAIL
4 cups tea, peach flavored tea is best
4 Tbsp honey
½ cup vodka
1 lemon, only the juice
1 sprig lemon vervain
1 peach, peeled and diced
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Keep in the fridge for 2 hours, to cool it down and allow the flavors to infuse.
- Serve in cups, with ice cubes and garnished with the peach
A perfect cooling drink for the summer.
It is said that lemon vervain will improve any drink. Adding lemon vervain to veal, turkey, or chicken blanquette gives the dish is an interesting lemony flavor. It is not a very common herb for cooking and there is plenty of room for exploration.
lippia citriodora: lemon vervain, lemon verbain - French verveine - Spanish hierba luisa.
