For maximum flavor, harvest just before the blossoms develop – late spring/early summer. While this is when the plant has the most essential oils, you’ll still get plenty of flavor at other times too.You can dry lemon or lime balm in a dehydrator or by hanging to dry.
Gently rinse your lemon or lime balm in a bowl with running water. Remove any blemished leaves.
Dry the leaves by gently laying them on a clean towel to remove any surface moisture. Water droplets will cause the leaves to turn dark brown or black when hung to dry, so try to remove as much moisture as you can.
Dry Lemon & Lime Balm in a Dehydrator
Spread stems and leaves on the drying trays of a dehydrator.
Set the temperature at its lowest setting (95°F or 35°C) and dry for 12 to 18 hours.
Hang Lemon & Lime Balm to Dry
Gather 5-6 stems and tie together with kitchen string.
To allow for good air circulation, do not tie too many stems together.
Label your herbs and hang in a clean, dry and dark place.
In the photo below, my lime balm is hanging from the rafters of our garage (our garage doesn’t actually get used for cars, so no worries about exhaust fumes).
How long it takes to dry your herbs will depend on your humidity level – it could take as little as one week or as long as three weeks. Just be sure that the leaves are completely dry and brittle before you take them down.
Notes
Storing Dry Lemon or Lime Balm
To store your lemon or lime balm, keep the leaves and stems in big pieces to retain as much flavor as possible. Store your herbs in paper bags or glass jars (avoid plastic bags as they may lead to condensation). Only when you’re ready to use your herbs should you crumble them up to release their essence. Use and enjoy as desired.