Lemongrass vs. Lemon Balm: Know the Differences

When it comes to herbs with citrusy aromas and flavors, two names often come up in conversation: lemongrass and lemon balm.

While their names might suggest similarity, these two herbs are distinct in their characteristics, uses, and even botanical families.

Let’s delve into the unique qualities of lemongrass and lemon balm to understand their differences better.

Lemongrass:

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Family: Poaceae

Origins: Native to tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia and Africa

Appearance: Lemongrass grows in tall, slender stalks with a bulbous base. Its leaves are long, slender, and green with a slightly grayish-green hue.

Flavor and Aroma: Lemongrass emits a strong citrus scent, akin to lemon, with hints of ginger. Its flavor is refreshing and tangy, often used to add zest to dishes.

Culinary Uses: Widely used in Asian cuisines, lemongrass is prized for its aromatic qualities. It is often finely chopped or crushed and added to soups, curries, stir-fries, marinades, and teas.

Medicinal Benefits: Lemongrass is valued for its medicinal properties, including its potential to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate stress. It is also used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

Growth and Cultivation: Lemongrass thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained soil. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors, requiring ample sunlight and regular watering.

Lemon Balm:

Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Origins: Indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia

Appearance: Lemon balm is a bushy, perennial herb with wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant green. Its stems are square-shaped, typical of plants in the mint family.

Flavor and Aroma: Lemon balm offers a gentle lemon scent and flavor, milder compared to lemongrass. Its aroma is often described as sweet and herbaceous with citrus undertones.

Culinary Uses: Lemon balm is used to flavor teas, salads, fruit dishes, and desserts. It can be added fresh or dried to impart its subtle lemony essence.

Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and relieve indigestion. It is also believed to have antiviral properties and may aid in reducing anxiety and stress.

Growth and Cultivation: Lemon balm is adaptable and grows well in various climates, though it prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division of mature plants.

Key Differences:

1. Botanical Families: Lemongrass belongs to the grass family (Poaceae), while lemon balm is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
2. Appearance: Lemongrass has tall, slender stalks with long, narrow leaves, whereas lemon balm is a bushy plant with wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves.
3. Aroma and Flavor: Lemongrass offers a strong citrus scent and flavor with hints of ginger, while lemon balm has a milder lemon aroma and a sweet, herbaceous taste.
4. Culinary Uses: Lemongrass is frequently used in savory dishes, especially in Asian cuisine, whereas lemon balm is versatile, adding a subtle lemony touch to both sweet and savory dishes.
5. Medicinal Properties: Both herbs have medicinal benefits, but lemongrass is often used for its digestive and stress-relieving properties, while lemon balm is favored for its calming effects on the nervous system and potential antiviral properties.

Tea Infusions:

Both lemongrass and lemon balm are popular choices for herbal tea infusions, offering refreshing and soothing beverages with distinct flavors and aromatic profiles.

Lemongrass Tea: Known for its invigorating citrus notes, lemongrass tea is a revitalizing brew often enjoyed for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits. 

Brewed from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, this tea is naturally caffeine-free and offers a bright, tangy flavor reminiscent of lemon zest with subtle hints of ginger. Lemongrass tea is commonly consumed hot or cold and can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs for added complexity.

Lemon Balm Tea: Lemon balm tea offers a more delicate and subtly lemony infusion compared to lemongrass tea. Made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, this herbal tea boasts a gentle citrus aroma and a mild, slightly sweet flavor with herbal undertones.

Lemon balm tea is prized for its calming properties and is often sipped to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and support restful sleep.

It can be enjoyed hot or iced, either pure or combined with complementary herbs like mint or chamomile for added depth of flavor.

Whether seeking a vibrant citrus kick or a soothing, herbal embrace, both lemongrass and lemon balm teas offer delightful options to suit various tastes and moods, making them cherished additions to the world of herbal infusions.

Final Word

In conclusion, while lemongrass and lemon balm share a citrusy essence and are used in culinary and medicinal applications, they differ significantly in botanical classification, appearance, flavor, and uses.

Understanding these distinctions allows for the optimal utilization of each herb’s unique qualities in cooking, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy.

Whether it’s the bold tang of lemongrass or the gentle sweetness of lemon balm, both herbs contribute their own special charm to the world of flavors and fragrances.