Monarda lemon is simply called bergamot in some regions, although they are not the same plant. Different parts of the representative of the flora are used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for cooking. Experienced cooks appreciate the spice because of its special spicy aroma.
Features of the plant
Despite the fact that the presented grass is an annual, it grows very quickly, reaching almost a meter in height. If you rub the young leaves, they will smell like lemon. But if you crumple the old leaves, then the aroma will already resemble oregano.
Outwardly, the spice is not particularly remarkable, as it is an ordinary, not too thick bush. In the middle, several stems are beaten off from it, having green leaves, the length of which rarely exceeds 8 cm. Their distinguishing feature is called an oval shape with a sharp tip. The bushes and aesthete gardeners delight, as they bloom with white, purple, pink flowers.
Because of its similarity to bergamot and other similar-smelling herbs, monarda is sometimes referred to as the American version of lemon balm or simply lemon balm. This is also explained by the fact that the plant belongs, according to the botanical classification, to the mint family.
In literal translation, the name of the spice stands for “citrus aroma”. During flowering, it attracts not only butterflies, but also bees that flock to the wonderful smell. It is customary to call Mexico and America the historical homeland of greenery. And in California, it can be found right next to the highways. Clay soils are ideal habitats.
Varietal diversity
Knowing that the spice goes well with various dishes traditional for the Slavs, many gardeners strive to acquire such a novelty in their own backyard.
Despite the relatively simple cultivation, the inhabitants often face a problem when they want to replenish the collection in the beds. We are talking about an impressive variety of varieties, including almost a dozen varieties. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. But experienced experts say that the pipe version is perfect for beginners in gardening.
The fragrant plant has lilac and pink flowers, and the smell of its different parts is most reminiscent of ordinary citrus fruits. It is this variety that is famous for its decorative, honey-bearing, and culinary qualities at the same time. It even has medicinal properties.
Young stems are ideal for gastronomic use and should be combined with:
- soups;
- snacks;
- sauces;
- salads
On an industrial scale, the creation of vermouth beloved by many is not complete without it. And for those who have a negative attitude towards alcoholic beverages, it is recommended to add fresh stems or dried blanks to flavor tea. So it will turn out to get not only a delicious drink, but also to carry out prevention:
- bacteriological diseases;
- stable appetite;
- problems with the digestive process.
During a cold, properly brewed tea from the fistula subspecies makes it easier to expel sputum.
The double version is better known to residents of North America and Asia, but in recent years, gardeners from the CIS countries have begun to actively add it to their beds. The main advantage of the presented variety is decorative abilities, which is explained by the unusual colors of rich red. They will decorate any flower bed. And the leaves can be collected, dried and added to herbal tea sets in winter.
There are many other varieties of lemon monarda, as well as fifty hybrids based on them.
Active components
The beneficial properties of the plant are explained by its rich chemical composition. It got into:
- vitamins of group B;
- ascorbic;
- essential oils.
The latter have bactericidal properties, which is useful for people who often suffer from respiratory diseases during the cold season. This feature was known even by the ancient Indians, who included dry blanks to create decoctions, with which they then rinsed the mouth. Such tinctures even healed wounds, using them to relieve an inflammatory plant.
Traditional healers claim that if you attach a washed, crushed leaf to a scratch, this will protect the body from possible infection. Monarda juice acts according to an identical algorithm.
A lot of time has passed since then, but many grandmother’s recipes still offer to expel salmonella with this particular oil. You can even meet the mention of monarda in traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of diseases of the ENT organs and for inhalations.
But the herb also has contraindications that revolve around individual intolerance, which cannot be verified in any way other than careful sampling. Also, before starting the use of an unknown ingredient, you should definitely consult your doctor.
And kids under the age of three should be completely forbidden to drink medicines or eat dishes where this representative of the flora is. You should also be careful about the flower of the ladies in position.
Culinary find
Most often, the spice is used in cooking to create unsurpassed tea compositions. Moreover, you can drink them not only with a cold, but all year round for the prevention of SARS.
Suitable seasoning for a tandem with meat dishes. This serves a dual purpose, as the herb not only adds a lemony aftertaste, but also serves as a digestive aid when a fairly heavy meal is consumed.
No less original would be to add fresh leaves to the salty preservation along with other traditional “inhabitants” of jars with pickled cucumbers, squash, tomatoes. And if a bunch of greens remains after cooking, you can leave it as a mold fighter by sending it to a problematic corner behind furniture.
The many ways to use the almost universal herb add fans from all over the world every year.