Member Owned Since 1976 Responsible to People and PlanetHerbal SupplementUSDA OrganicKosherNon-IrradiatedCertified Organic by QAI Lemon balm is a sweet, lemony scented herb in the mint family. The bushy plant can reach three feet in height and has tiny, indistinct ivory flowers. It's native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Its subtle lemon flavor with mint and herb undertones makes it a popular relaxing tea. The botanical name, Melissa officinalis L., is derived from a Greek word for bees. This plant is great for attracting bees; at one time, beekeepers commonly rubbed fresh lemon balm leaves on the inside of new hives to encourage bees to stay. Our premium quality lemon balm leaf is dried quickly and at low light and temperature to preserve color and maintain the characteristic aroma and flavor. Product Features  A lovely herb that's perennial, easy to grow, attracts bees and is sweet smelling. All above-ground parts of this plant are fragrant, but the leaves have the highest amount of essential oil. Look for a nice medium green coloration to indicate good quality; very dark or black leaves have been poorly dried. Lemon balm leaf is more expensive than lemon balm "herb", as product labeled herb may contain up to 60% stem, but the woody stems have little value. Origin Bulgaria Flavor Profile Slightly lemony and herbaceous Botanical Name Melissa officinalis L. LEMON BALM LEAF - Frontier Co-op Organic Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. While it grows around the world, it originally comes from West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. VERSATILE - Lemon balm leaf can be used in many ways. It makes a relaxing, lemon-flavored herbal tea and complements herb vinegar and spice blends. It is also used for lip balms, skin toners, and various lotions. Besides its topical advantages, it can also enrich the flavors in baked goods and salads REFRESHING AND CITRUSY - Frontier Co-op Organic Lemon Balm Leaf has a citrusy, bright, and refreshing taste that closely resembles the flavor of lemon and mint grass. This herb features a sweet yet strong flavor that freshens up any dish. ORGANIC FROM BULGARIA - Our lemon balm leaf is cultivated and processed without chemicals and pesticides in Bulgaria. This product is certified organic, Kosher, and non-irradiated. Our growers employ clean drying methods to preserve the contents of the herb. There are no artificial chemicals or additives used at any stage of the growing and manufacturing process. ABOUT US - Owned by stores and organizations that buy and sell our products, Frontier Co-op has been a member-owned cooperative since 1976. We support natural living and our products are never irradiated or treated with ETO (Ethylene Oxide). We're committed to the health and welfare of the environment and everyone producing and consuming our botanical products.