Bee balm

Monarda didyma · Edible flower

40 pairings

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a North American mint whose shaggy, firework-like crowns of scarlet tubular flowers and oregano-and-citrus–scented leaves are both edible. Long known as Oswego tea and as "wild bergamot" for its Earl-Grey-like fragrance, it is used fresh as a tea, a fragrant garnish and a colourful flavouring in salads, jellies and baking.

Picking a good onedrag

Food-grade, just cut, head standing fullHead browned, leaves limp and sour

Market freshUse it the day you get it. Pull the head apart into single florets over salad, fruit and desserts, and steep the leafy stem below as Oswego tea.Everyday best

Where it came fromYour own plant or a grower's, never sprayed for looks

The headStill full, the outer ring of florets just going dull

Leaf and stemLeaves green and flat, the lowest one or two yellowing

Rub a leafClearly aromatic, the bergamot edge gone quieter

What to look for, from food-grade, just cut, head standing full to head browned, leaves limp and sour.

Preparing