Mint and lemon balm: what is the difference and differences, what is more useful with a photo

Every housewife knows that the aroma and taste of a culinary masterpiece depends on what spices and spices are used in cooking. Gardeners are trying to grow the necessary components in the beds - homemade greens have a fragrant bouquet and a lot of useful qualities. Mint and lemon balm are frequent inhabitants of the beds, but it often happens that confusion occurs with the cultivation of these crops - not everyone knows the differences between plants. How to correctly determine what grows in the garden and what features differ similar and at the same time such different types of spices?

How to distinguish between mint and lemon balm by appearance

If you look closely at these crops, it is noticeable that outwardly these plants are very similar, and even an experienced gardener can easily confuse mint with lemon balm. The mistake is not too dangerous, since the aroma of these herbs will not spoil the flavor of the dishes in any way. In terms of the content of useful qualities of culture, they also almost do not differ. The only thing to remember is that plants have limitations and can cause allergies in sensitive people, so it's best to learn to distinguish between them so as not to make he alth-threatening mistakes.

Mint has a straight long stem, ending with flowers collected in a dense spikelet inflorescence. The hue ranges from light lilac to dark purple. It may depend on climatic conditions and varieties. The height of an adult bush does not exceed a meter, although undersized mint is often found - up to 30-50 cm. The leaves are oval, although in some species they are lanceolate, the root system is small and weak.

Flowering ends with the appearance of the ovary, although this is considered a rare occurrence, the fruit contains several small nuts inside.

Melissa is different in appearance from mint, and with a little observation, it's easy to spot the differences. The stem begins to branch from the very surface of the soil. The flowers are collected not in a spikelet, but in rings encircling the shoots, located along the entire length at a certain distance. The height of the plant can reach one and a half meters, although it happens to meet such a bush quite rarely. Lemon balm leaves are egg-shaped.

Smell

The differences between lemon balm and mint do not end there - these cultures differ not only in appearance, but also in aroma. The fragrance of mint is a pronounced aphrodisiac, has notes of menthol. The fragrance is refreshing and spicy, with delicate notes of spring flowers.

Melissa has an equally bright fragrance, you can discern notes of citrus fruits in it, especially lemon or lime.Bees like this culture more, so in the summer season of honey collection, plants can be distinguished by the presence of these tiny workers. Bees rarely land on mint, although the smell is no less attractive than lemon balm.

To determine the characteristics of aromas, it is enough to carefully sniff alternately to lemon balm and mint - fragrance bouquets are so different that it will not be possible to confuse them. Familiarity with the description of cultures and smells is enough to forever learn to distinguish between these types of spices.

Taste

Mint and lemon balm can also be distinguished by their taste, which, like the beneficial properties, is completely different for these plants. Mint has a menthol refreshing aroma, the taste is also menthol. This is perfectly noticeable in dishes - they acquire a pleasant bouquet of spices.

Melissa is not so rich in bouquet of aromas - the taste of the plant, if it is carefully chewed, resembles a lemon. This spice is often added to lemonades - it successfully replaces the main component, the difference is almost not felt.

Differences in chemical composition

If you ask herbalists what useful qualities mint and lemon balm have, you can hear a rather curious answer - the first plant perfectly invigorates and tones, the second calms and has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. The reason for this difference in composition.

Mint contains:

• essential oils;
• saturated acids;
• dietary fiber;
• vitamin groups (A, B, C);
• fats;
• minerals (copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium).

Melissa is not so rich in useful components, although she can boast of many elements that have a beneficial effect on the human body. Among them:

• minerals (manganese, iron, magnesium);
• vitamins (the whole group of B-vitamins, A, a small amount of C);
• fats.

Important! There are no dietary fibers and essential oils in lemon balm, it will only be possible to enrich the body with minerals and vitamins.

Medicinal effect of plants

Differences between mint and lemon balm are not only in taste, aroma, appearance, but also in lmedicinal properties, which are best studied in advance in order to avoid mistakes in treatment. Use of mint is recommended for such he alth problems or diseases:

• inflammatory processes of internal organs or on the surface of the skin;
• constant problems with high blood pressure;
• infectious diseases;
• fatigue, loss of energy, apathy;
• digestion problems, frequent heartburn, bloating, stool disorders;
• pathology of the heart, problems with vasodilation.

Melissa is not often used in the treatment of diseases, although the plant has no less medicinal qualities, and often it is more useful than mint. The use of plant materials with beneficial properties is recommended for such problems:

• nervous disorders, depression, stress;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• all types of dermatitis, skin rashes, non-healing wounds, severe burns;
• constant diarrhea;
• increased gas formation;
• nausea that can turn into prolonged vomiting.

It is not necessary to use plants as remedies - you can simply add raw materials to dishes, prepare refreshing healing drinks based on them. The main rule of cooking is not to mix mint with lemon balm, this will not positively affect the state of he alth, since herbs have their own characteristics and affect the human body in different ways.

Where lemon balm is added

Cooking has its own characteristics and rules for the use of lemon balm. Often fresh plant materials are used, but dry grass also has a bright smell and almost does not lose its beneficial properties during processing.

Fresh vegetable raw materials are used in the preparation of first courses, salads, even added to desserts. Dry grass goes well with marinades for fish and meat. It is often added when s alting cabbage for the winter, enriching the he althy product with vitamins, minerals, and a persistent bright aroma.

In cooking, it is important to remember that it is recommended to add spice a few minutes before the end of cooking or stewing. If done earlier, the aroma will not be as pronounced, and may even have a bitter aftertaste.

It is also recommended to use lemon balm for making fragrant refreshing drinks. Plant-based tea has many he alth benefits and can improve overall he alth and well-being when consumed regularly.

Important! It is not necessary to use only lemon balm in the preparation of drinks - it goes well with thyme, marjoram, basil. This mixture is recommended to be used for marinades, in preservation.

Where mint is added

Like lemon balm, it is recommended to use mint in any form - fresh, dried, canned.The only rule is not to freeze the grass, the beneficial qualities will not completely disappear, but this will affect the presentation of the plant, the saturated green tint will be lost and there will be almost no aroma left. It is better not to experiment and, if possible, add fresh vegetable raw materials to dishes, and dry the leftovers and store them in airtight containers.

Fresh vegetable raw materials are recommended to be added to salads, meat dishes, sauces. Butter whipped with chopped mint has an excellent taste. Baking with the addition of this spice acquires new notes and a bright fragrance. Even in the preparation of alcoholic beverages, mint was also used; liqueurs and cocktails are prepared on its basis.

You can also use dry mint. Often it becomes the main ingredient in spicy sauces. Another way to use mint is to brew a fragrant and rich tea based on it.The drink is recommended for many he alth problems and simply to improve mood and energy. You can add ginger, lemon, even cinnamon to mint tea.

Powder from dry raw materials is often included in ready-made seasonings for dishes.

Melissa and mint are plants, each of which has its own characteristics, so do not confuse completely different cultures, although they come from the same huge family. It is enough to carefully consider their appearance, smell, taste, so as not to be confused. It is also recommended to get acquainted with the qualities of herbs and the peculiarities of their use in cooking - this will improve the taste of dishes and give them a new, unique touch.

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