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 smell a fresh lemon scent. The small white or pale pink flowers appear in summer, and the square, slightly hairy stems typical of plants in the Lamiaceae family (such as mint and basil) complete the typical appearance of the plant.
What does melissa taste like? It has a delicate, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor, similar to lemon but with a sweet 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 harvesting #melissa: leaves and flowers can be collected from late April to early November.
You might be interested in:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 5 Days
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 100 g fresh melissa
- Cooking methods: No-cook
- 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 20 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 sprigs)
With 3.5 ounces of fresh melissa, you get about 0.7 ounces of dried melissa.
How to dry melissa?
Harvest melissa (cut 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 preserve the essential oils in the leaves.
Then gently wash the leaves, drain them, or better yet, dry them with a salad spinner.
AIR DRYING
Spread them out on a clean cloth in a shaded, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent loss of color and aroma. Turn them occasionally for even drying.
Alternatively
Gather the melissa branches into small bundles, tying them with string.
Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, ventilated environment away from direct sunlight, like an attic or a well-ventilated room. Let the leaves dry for 1-2 weeks until they feel completely dry to the touch.
DRYING TIME
Air-dried melissa generally takes between 5 and 10 days to dry completely, but the time can vary based on several factors such as:
🌿 Temperature: If it’s hot (above 77°F) and the air is well-ventilated, the time shortens.
🌿 Humidity: In humid environments, the process slows down, even up to two weeks.
🌿 Space: The thinner and more spaced out the melissa branches are, the faster they dry.
🌿 Light: Better to avoid direct sunlight, which can alter aroma and active ingredients.
It’s ready when the leaves become brittle and crumble easily between your 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 tray 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 the moisture escape, using a wooden spoon. Frequently check the leaves and turn them occasionally for even drying, which will take 2 to 4 hours.
🌿🌿🌿🌿
DRYING WITH AN ELECTRIC DEHYDRATOR
Place the melissa leaves on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are well spaced apart. Set the dehydrator at a temperature of 95-104°F and let it dry 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 together with other plants to make a digestive herbal tea after meals or to create scented sachets. For cosmetic use, a rich melissa infusion is used to knead white clay and create a mask for impure skin, or it can be poured into the bathtub for a relaxing bath.
It has a rich lemon aroma that makes it perfect for enhancing vegetable salads or summer grain salads. Chopped fresh with ricotta, it 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 steep for about ten minutes. Strain, pour into a cup, and if you like, sweeten with a teaspoon of honey.
🌿MELISSA DECOCTION
With tougher leaves, prepare a decoction: put a tablespoon of melissa in cold water, bring to a boil, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.Drink slowly, perhaps in the evening, to promote relaxation.
STORING melissa
Once dried, store 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. Today, it is still used in purification rituals to attract positive vibrations and bring luck in love and friendship. Burning dried melissa leaves or carrying them with you 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 cautiously 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 reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It has digestive properties, alleviating 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 for colds or herpes. Thanks to its balancing action, it is also used to improve mood and promote mental well-being.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Melissa, although generally safe, has some contraindications. In high doses, it can cause drowsiness, so it is not recommended if you need to perform activities requiring attention, like driving. Moreover, it might interact with sedative medications, thyroid medications, and anticoagulants, increasing the risk of side effects. It is better to avoid it during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in small children, unless specifically indicated by a doctor.
