Botanical Name: Aloysia citrodora
Lemon verbena is a fragrant herb native to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, known for its strong lemony aroma. The plant features long, narrow, green leaves that release a potent citrus fragrance when crushed, making it one of the most aromatic herbs in the garden. Due to its refreshing lemon scent and taste, lemon verbena is prized for adding a bright, citrusy note to a variety of dishes and beverages.
In the kitchen, lemon verbena is often used to infuse a subtle yet vibrant lemon flavor into teas, desserts, and savory dishes. It can be steeped in hot water to make a fragrant herbal tea, often enjoyed for its soothing and digestive properties. The herb pairs well with honey and lemon, creating a calming and aromatic brew that is both refreshing and relaxing. Lemon verbena is also a popular ingredient in baking, where it can be used to flavor cakes, cookies, and sorbets, or infused into syrups and custards for a hint of citrus. In savory dishes, the herb can be added to marinades for chicken, fish, and seafood, as well as vinaigrettes, to impart a fresh, zesty flavor.