5.05.2010

OBSESSION: Lemon, Part II

If I cannot have a lemon tree, I am going to try growing a Lemon Verbena plant. If I can figure out where to get one.

The fragrance is different, but just as wonderful as lemon, and has a million uses: in pound cake, in poaching liquid for fish, stuffed in a roasting chicken, making essential oils (if you have the time), infusing a simple syrup for lemonade, and I saw a recipe somewhere that calls for several leaves steeped in white wine over night. Tasty!


Mostly, though, I want it for tea. My favorite tea brand, Harney and Sons has a Lemon Verbena tea that is delicious. I cannot live without their cranberry almond "Boston" tea. It's amazing. But when it comes to the lemon verbena, I'd prefer to save a few and make my own.

The problem is, the Lemon Verbena plant is pretty difficult to grow.
I had one once. It didn't end well. Before I knew it, I had successfully dried the whole plant. One cup of tea, and the plant was done.

Verbena likes full sun and lots of water. Now that I'm more attentive to my planties, I might be able to handle that. If can I find a plant, and a place to put it...