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Lemon Verbena is comprised of elongated leaves, averaging 7 to 10 centimeters in length, that bear a lanceolate shape with a pointed, tapered non-stem end. The leaves grow in groupings of three around the stem and have a semi-rough, tough, and leathery texture. The leaf’s surface is also green and glossy, featuring prominent veining. In the late spring through early summer, the shrubs produce tiny white or purple, four-petaled flowers that are edible and sometimes used as a delicate garnish. Lemon Verbena leaves are known for their robust and bright, lemon-like, floral, and spice-filled aroma when bruised, crushed, or disturbed. The leaves also contain a delicate and herbal sweetness mixed with a mild citrus flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Lemon Verbena is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Lemon Verbena, botanically classified as Aloysia citrodora, is an aromatic shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. The perennial flowering plant averages 3 to 5 meters in height, depending on climate and pruning, and is native to South America, where the leaves were favored as a soothing medicinal aid. Lemon Verbena is also known as Lemon Beebrush and Herb Louisa, preferred by chefs and herbalists for its aromatic citrus scent. The shrub contains glands on the underside of the leaves, releasing concentrated, aromatic oils, which contribute a delicate citrus flavor to fresh and cooked preparations. In the modern-day, Lemon Verbena is an adaptable herb grown worldwide for mixology, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
Nutritional Value
Lemon Verbena is rich in essential oils commonly used in herbal remedies for digestive ailments and upset stomach. The leaves are steeped in hot water, and the mixture is frequently consumed after meals to aid in digestion. Lemon verbena teas have also been used to soothe symptoms associated with colds and flu, including fevers, chills, and congestion. In addition to teas, Lemon Verbena can be incorporated into mouthwash, or the essential oils can be mixed with creams as a topical pain reliever.
Applications
Lemon Verbena is a versatile herb well suited for both sweet and savory dishes. The young and tender leaves can be finely sliced and used raw in pestos, salsa, vinaigrettes, and marinades for meats, or they can be tossed into salads, stirred into soups, or infused as flavoring into ceviche. Larger, more mature leaves should be reserved for cooked preparations and are often used whole as a flavoring and then removed before consumption. The leaves can be incorporated into oils, syrups, and sugar, used to flavor jellies, jams, and fruit glazes, or infused into desserts such as crème brulee, ice cream, tarts, panna cotta, pudding, and sorbet. Lemon Verbena leaves can also be used to flavor drinks such as iced tea, spritzers, lemonade, and mixed drinks. Tea infused with Lemon Verbena is a popular drink in European and South American households. Lemon Verbena pairs well with fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, pears, peaches, melons, and apricots, meats such as pork, poultry, and fish, and herbs including thyme, mint, basil, and lavender. Fresh Lemon Verbena leaves should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor and will keep up for two days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The leaves can also be dried for extended use and kept in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lemon Verbena was widely used as a fragrance and flavoring in the Victorian Era in England. During this time, the aromatic shrub was a recent introduction into English gardens and was brought by Spanish explorers from South America to Europe. Lemon Verbena was first used as an air freshener in homes, and both fresh and dried leaves were added to baths, potpourris, soaps, and oils. Over time, the delicate lemon scent of the leaves became highly favored among English socialites, and the leaves were stuffed into herb sachets to smell as a reprieve on hot days. Lemon Verbena leaves were also strategically placed in clothing as a natural perfume and were infused into the water for finger bowls at social events, a practice that was prominently seen at English culinary events since the Middle Ages. In addition to fragrance, Lemon Verbena was also steeped in hot water as a soothing tea and was infused into desserts as a subtle flavoring.
Geography/History
Lemon Verbena is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Peru, and Chile, and has been growing wild since ancient times. The shrub was used by native peoples in South America as a medicinal and culinary ingredient and was also viewed as a natural insect repellant. In the 17th century, Lemon Verbena was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers, where it was widely planted in gardens across southern Europe, naturalizing in temperate climates. Later in the 18th and 19th centuries, the rough leaves were introduced into the New Word throughout migrating Europeans. Today Lemon Verbena is planted worldwide and thrives in sunny, warm regions, viewed as a specialty herb. The shrub is cultivated throughout Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, Australia, North America, and South America, and is mainly grown in home gardens. Fresh Lemon Verbena can be found through farmer’s markets and distributors, while dried leaves are available in select stores and online retailers.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lemon Verbena From Windrose Farms In Paso Robles, CA…Lemon Verbena emits a robust floral and spice-filled aroma when its leaves are bruised, crushed, or disturbed, enhancing its vibrant lemon-like scent. The leaves are glossy and green with prominent veining, complementing their leathery texture. The tiny, four-petaled flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer can elevate dishes with their edible, delicate appearance and subtle flavor, making them coveted as a natural garnish.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lemon Verbena from Coleman Family Farms….Lemon Verbena is a wonderfully adaptable herb, ideal for adding a bright citrusy touch to both sweet and savory preparations. Its tender leaves work well raw in pestos, salsa, vinaigrettes, or marinades, and larger leaves are better suited for cooking, then removed before serving. It flavors jams, syrups, and desserts like crème brûlée or panna cotta. Pair it with fruits, meats, or herbs like lavender, and note its fleeting freshness—best used immediately or dried for longevity.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lemon Verbena from Schaner Farms….Lemon Verbena thrives as a versatile aromatic shrub, botanically classified as Aloysia citrodora and commonly known as Lemon Beebrush or Herb Louisa. It grows up to 5 meters tall, releasing concentrated oils from glands beneath its leaves, which emit a distinct citrus aroma. Historically cherished for soothing digestive issues, its oils continue to be valued worldwide for culinary, medicinal, and mixology applications, demonstrating its adaptability across cultures.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lemon Verbena from Terra Madre….Lemon Verbena was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 17th century and became popular in southern European gardens. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it spread to the New World through European migrants. Native to Argentina, Peru, and Chile, this fragrant shrub is now cultivated in warm, sunny regions worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and Australia. Fresh leaves are sold at farmers' markets, while dried leaves are available online and in specialty stores.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lemon Verbena from Terra Madre…Lemon Verbena was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers from South America and gained popularity in England during the Victorian Era. Its fresh and dried leaves were used as air fresheners, in potpourris, soaps, and oils. Socialites favored its delicate lemon scent in herb sachets and as a natural perfume. Lemon Verbena was also infused into finger bowls at events, steeped for tea, and used as a flavoring in desserts.
Lemon Verbena features elongated, lanceolate-shaped leaves, growing 7 to 10 centimeters long, with a semi-rough, leathery texture and glossy green surface marked by prominent veining. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny, edible white or purple flowers. Its leaves emit a robust lemon-like, floral aroma and offer a mild citrus flavor with delicate herbal sweetness, making them a unique addition to culinary creations.
HB Family Farm
San Luis Obispo, CA
Lemon Verbena: This fragrant herb is perfect for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. You can use young leaves raw in pestos, salsa, or vinaigrettes, while mature leaves are better for cooked recipes. It pairs beautifully with fruits like strawberries or peaches, meats like pork or poultry, and herbs such as mint or thyme. For beverages, try infusing it into tea, spritzers, or lemonade. Fresh leaves last two days in the fridge but can be dried for long-term use.
Windrose Farm
Paso Robles, CA
+18054595924
Lemon Verbena is a versatile herb praised for its aromatic citrus scent and beneficial properties. Native to South America, it was historically used as a soothing medicinal aid. Its leaves, rich in essential oils, are ideal for teas that help digestion, alleviate cold and flu symptoms, and reduce chills. Beyond teas, its oils are used in pain-relieving creams or mouthwashes, and the herb is highly valued in culinary and mixology applications due to its delicate citrus flavor profile.
Finca La Bonita
Santa Elena Medellin Antioquia
+57 (4) 291-8949
Su aromático olor la hace perfecta para la relajación…Lemon Verbena: Native to South America, Lemon Verbena thrives in sunny, warm regions and is widely grown in home gardens across the globe. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century by Spanish explorers, it became a popular garden plant. It has been cultivated throughout Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, Australia, North America, and South America. Fresh and dried Lemon Verbena can be purchased via farmer’s markets, select stores, and online.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92110
619 295 3172
Fresh Lemon Verbena from Girl & Doug farm in Escondido …..Lemon Verbena has a rich history of use dating back to Victorian England, where its delicate lemon scent became highly popular. Spanish explorers introduced the aromatic shrub to Europe from South America, and it found its place in English gardens. Beyond its use in potpourris, baths, and oils, Lemon Verbena leaves served as natural perfume in clothing, added to finger bowl water at events, and steeped in tea for its soothing properties. It was also infused into desserts for subtle flavoring.