Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is considered by many
the "Queen of lemon-scented herbs." The lemon scent of this
herb comes from citral, the same aroma compound found in
lemons. The aromatic leaves of this European favorite have an
unusually pure and fruity lemon note, with a clean, fresh finish
and no sourness. No wonder it's mentioned as Scarlet O'Hara's
mother's favorite plant in Gone with the Wind.
In many Spanish-speaking countries-where lemon verbena is native
and grows wild-this herb is called hierba luisa ("herb of
Luisa"), in honor of Princess Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma
(1751-1819), the wife of King Carlos IV of Spain.
Culinary Uses of Lemon Verbena
In cooking, lemon verbena, like other lemon herbs, adds a
pleasant tang to fish and poultry dishes, vegetables, salads, and
beverages. Lemon verbena also pairs wonderfully with fruit
and ice cream.
This bold citrus flavor appears in the Lemon
Verbena Geranium variety of Herbal Water.