Drying melissa is a simple and natural method to preserve its aroma and beneficial properties over time. Just a few precautions are needed to achieve a great result.
How to recognize it? Melissa is recognizable by its green, oval, and serrated leaves. Its aroma is unmistakable: just rub the leaves to get a fresh lemon scent. Small white or light pink flowers appear in summer, and the quadrangular, slightly hairy stems, typical of plants in the Lamiaceae family (such as mint and basil), complete the plant’s typical appearance.
What is the taste of melissa? It has a delicate, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor, similar to that of lemon but with a sweeter and less intense note. This refreshing taste makes it ideal for teas, cold drinks, and sweet or savory dishes, adding an aromatic and pleasant touch.
SEASON for harvesting #melissa: leaves and flowers can be collected from late April to early November.
You might be interested in:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Rest time: 5 Days
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 3.5 oz fresh melissa
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Energy 1.00 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 0.10 (g) of which sugars 0.10 (g)
- Proteins 0.10 (g)
- Fat 0.10 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 0.00 (g)
- Sodium 4.00 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 1 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
MELISSA
- 3.5 oz melissa (fresh tops)
With 3.5 ounces of fresh melissa, you get about 0.7 ounces of dried melissa.
How to dry melissa?
Harvest melissa (cutting the flowering tops or the healthiest leaves) in the early morning hours, preferably when the leaves are dry from dew but not yet exposed to direct sunlight. This helps best preserve the essential oils contained in the leaves.
Then, gently wash the leaves, drain them, or better yet, dry them with a salad spinner.
AIR DRYING
Scatter them on a clean cloth in a shaded, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent loss of color and aroma. Turn them occasionally for even drying.
Alternatively
Gather the melissa sprigs into small bunches, tying them with string.
Hang the bunches upside down in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight, such as an attic or a well-ventilated room. Allow the leaves to dry for 1-2 weeks, until they are completely dry to the touch.
DRYING TIME
Melissa air-dried generally takes between 5 and 10 days to dry completely, but the time may vary based on various factors such as:
🍀 Temperature: if it’s hot (above 77°F) and the air is well-ventilated, the times shorten.
🍀 Humidity: in humid environments, the process slows down, even up to two weeks.
🍀 Space: the thinner and more spaced out the melissa sprigs are, the faster they dry.
🍀 Light: better to avoid direct sunlight, which can alter aroma and active principles.
It’s ready when the leaves become fragile and crumble easily between fingers. At that point, it can be stored in an airtight jar away from light and humidity.
🍀🍀🍀🍀
OVEN DRYING at low temperature
Spread the melissa leaves or flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, avoiding overlaps. Set the oven to the lowest possible temperature (86-104°F) and leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape, using a wooden spoon. Frequently check the leaves and turn them occasionally for even drying, which will take between 2 to 4 hours.
🍀🍀🍀🍀
DRYING WITH AN ELECTRIC DEHYDRATOR
Place the melissa leaves on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are well spaced. Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 95-104°F and allow drying for 6-8 hours or until the leaves become crispy.
Important: during drying, do not exceed 104°F, otherwise, the aromatic properties will be lost.
Dried melissa can be used alone or with other plants to make a post-meal digestive tea or to create scented sachets. For cosmetic use, a melissa-rich infusion is used to knead white clay to create a mask for impure skin faces, or it can be poured into the bathtub for a relaxing bath.
It has a rich lemon aroma that makes it ideal for enhancing vegetable salads or summer grain salads. Chopped fresh with ricotta makes an excellent filling for tortelli. Fresh or dried, it is used to flavor tofu, sautéed zucchini, or to season fish or meat.
Bring a cup of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of fresh or dried melissa leaves, then cover and let it steep for about ten minutes. Strain, pour into a cup, and, if desired, sweeten with a teaspoon of honey.
🍀MELISSA DECOCTION
With the tougher leaves, prepare a decoction: put a tablespoon of melissa in cold water, bring to a boil, and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Turn off, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.Drink slowly, maybe in the evening, to promote relaxation.
STORING melissa
Once dried, store the melissa leaves in an airtight container away from light and humidity to preserve their aroma and properties.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Does melissa have magical properties?
Melissa has long been considered a plant with magical and spiritual properties. In ancient times, it was used to promote serenity, attract love, and protect against negative energies. It was believed that melissa had the power to calm the mind and heart, helping those who used it to achieve a state of inner peace. Even today, it is used in purification rituals, to attract positive vibrations and bring luck in love and friendship. Burning dried melissa leaves or carrying them is considered a talisman for tranquility and protection.
Does melissa lower blood pressure?
Yes, it has relaxing effects that can help slightly lower blood pressure. Thanks to its sedative and antispasmodic properties, melissa helps reduce stress and nervous tension, two factors that often affect hypertension. However, it should be used with caution and preferably under medical advice, especially if taking blood pressure medications.
PROPERTIES
Melissa is a plant with multiple beneficial properties. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It has digestive properties, relieving issues like cramps and bloating, and acts as an antispasmodic, useful against menstrual and intestinal pain. Additionally, it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief in case of colds or herpes. Thanks to its balancing action, it is also used to improve mood and promote mental well-being.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Although generally safe, melissa has some contraindications. In high doses, it can cause drowsiness, so it is not recommended if you need to perform activities that require attention, such as driving. Additionally, it may interact with sedative, thyroid, and anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of side effects. It is best avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in young children, unless specifically indicated by a doctor.
