Herb of the Month for March - Bergamot

Bergamot (Monarda didyma) reminds me of Earl Grey tea, with an orangery flavor. This fragrant herb has bright red flowers with pale red, red-tinged leaves. It prefers a rich, moist soil, partial shade and needs to be well watered. The scarlet flower blooms during the late summer and can grow between 18 to 36 inches tall. Rejuvenate the plant that has grown in one spot for more than three years by digging up the clump, discard the center and replant only the sucker shoots from the outside of the clump.

A common name for this herb is Bee Balm, due to the attraction of the scent and nectar. The plant is native to North America, was first discovered by early settlers and used by Oswego Indians to make tea (also known as Oswego tea). Beebalm became quite popular and during the period of the Boston Tea Party, the colonists enjoyed drinking it in place of black tea. Even though Beebalm is cultivated widely in Europe, it was introduced in the mid-17oos when John Bartman of Philadelphia sent seeds to England and was introduced to the European continent, where it is generally cultivated under the names of golden Melissa or Indian nettle.
This wonderful herb can be chopped (leaves and flowers) and used to add color and flavor to green salads, jellies and fruit salads. Bergamot can be used in recipes for duck, pork, meat sausages and curries. It complements many fruits that include apples, oranges, strawberries, tangerines and melons. It also makes a great companion plant that enhances the growth of tomatoes.

The next time you make apple jelly, try adding a handful of fresh leaves. Make sure you strain before boiling down to the gel stage. Add a beebalm flower in each jar before sealing.

Some Species/Varieties
Monarda citriodora: pink-purple blossom; strong lemon scent; excellent in tea.
M. didyma ‘Adam’: moderate red blossom
M. didyma ‘Cambridge Scarlet’: bright red blossom
M didyma ‘Croftway Pink’: clear rosy pink blossom.
M. fistulosa: lavender blossom; strong fragrance

Enjoy the this beautiful herb, whether for its beauty in the garden or for the benefits in your kitchen.
Bayberry Meadow Herbs