Lemon Balm Curd

Posted byblackbirdsbackyardPosted inFood Recipes
Homemade Lemon Curd




My eldest daughter is really into baking this year. She is always requesting to have a “lemonade” stand too. It has been a challenge to find quick and easy recipes that meet with her approval or a venue that is safe for her entrepreneurial and charitable spirit.  Lemon Oat Bars have proven to be popular with her and the customers. Lemon curd bought from the store is not nearly as yummy as our version of lemon balm curd that is dairy free.

Lemon Balm Curd

2 cups of coarsely chopped lemon balm

3 cups of boiling water

1 cup of apple juice

2TBSP of rice wine vinegar

2 TBSP of fresh lemon juice

4 cups of sugar

1 packet of pectin

Place the herbs in the large pot of boiling water. Stir, turn off heat, and let steep for 60 minutes.

Strain out and discard the herbs

Add enough apple juice to bring your liquid amount up to 4 cups.

Add in the vinegar, lemon and sugar. Stir and slowly bring to a boil allowing the sugar to fully dissolve.

Bring to a rolling boil. Add in pectin and do not stir

After 1 minute remove from heat, skim and discard any foam. Strain out any lumps.

Pour liquid into jars, let cool completely and screw on lids.

Since you did not do a canning bath with the lemon balm curd you have to refrigerate the jars and use it up within 2-4 weeks. I like to give the “extra” as gifts. One jar is probably enough to do a batch of lemon bars. The curd can be used in place of jelly on bread, with cheese, or to fill baked goods.

Lavender Lemon Bars

You can use any recipe for Lemon Bars or oat bars filled with fruit. I am not including a recipe since we do a lot of substitutions. But I do recommend adding 1tsp of ground dried lavender flowers to the “flour” to give your bars a gourmet touch.

Historically lemon Balm/Melissa calms the heart and lifts the spirit. It is great herb for children who are anxious and struggle with nightmares. Our family enjoys it as a cold summer tea or in a hot bath before bed.  This year I made a salve with it to treat cold sores.

Have you ever used unusual herbs in baked good? Were you pleased with the result?

 


Published by blackbirdsbackyard

My backyard botanical pharmacy is located in Boulder Colorado. I began studying herbal medicinewhen I was 12 years old. In college I studied subjects like anthropology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, After graduation I decided to go to midwifery school. I attended births and had a small practice until I retired early in order to be a mother full time. I have always had an herb garden, gathered plants and made my own healing formulas with plants. Over the last 30 years there have been many teachers and I have attended dozens of workshops. I am one of those people who is always reading, studying and learning. In 2019 I was called to practice as an herbalist professionally, using "plant spirit medicine" and bio-energetic ( 5 element)healing techniques. I feel that there is a big need in the community for my skills and talents. I hope to inspire others to start their own backyard pharmacies as a solution to species extinction and the healthcare crisis in America. Healing has also become a spiritual practice and way for me to feel balanced and connected with nature. I consult with clients in person, teach classes (adults and kids), give tours of my garden and offer apprenticeships. Health, joy, meaning, and support are everyone's birthright.

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