About our Melissa
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), also known as balm mint, has been cultivated for centuries and is renowned for its naturally fresh, lemony fragrance. Its name originates from the Greek word melissa, meaning "honey bee," reflecting the plant's ability to attract pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
Although modest in appearance, Lemon Balm is one of the most valuable aromatic plants due to its extremely low essential oil yield. Every harvest requires patience, careful cultivation, and precise timing to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds and produce exceptional botanical ingredients.
Meet our Lemon Balm
Fresh. Delicate. Exceptionally Precious.
Cultivated on our own farm
Special cultivation with water irrigation.
Full batch traceability
Our customers can trace back every batch.
Harvested at peak bloom
We harvest Melissa before buttoning.
Special distillation
Our Lemon balm oil is produced through slow distillation to ensure delicate volatiles are preserved.
Botanical Profile
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
INCI
Melissa Officinalis
Origin
Bulgaria
Usable plant parts
Aerial parts
Harvest
June
Aroma
Fresh, citrusy, green, soft herbaceous
Products
Essential oil, Hydrosol, Dry Melissa leaves
Planting
Lemon Balm begins its journey from carefully selected seeds, which are first sown in nursery trays to develop into healthy young seedlings. Once strong enough, the plants are transplanted into our fields, where they continue to grow under Bulgaria's favorable climate and natural conditions.
Maturing
Throughout spring, Lemon Balm develops lush green foliage rich in aromatic compounds. As the plants mature, they are carefully monitored to encourage healthy growth and preserve their characteristic fresh citrus aroma.
Flowering
During summer, delicate white flowers appear among the vibrant green leaves, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators. However, when cultivated for essential oil production, lemon balm does not reach the stage of flowering.
Harvest
Lemon Balm is harvested during its peak vegetative stage right before buttoning to preserve its naturally fresh aroma and valuable aromatic compounds. Once harvested, the fresh plant material is transported promptly for steam distillation to maintain its quality and freshness.
Steam Distillation
Freshly harvested Lemon Balm undergoes gentle steam distillation, producing both precious Lemon Balm essential oil and naturally aromatic floral water. This traditional extraction method preserves the authentic botanical character of the plant without the use of solvents.
Quality & Storage
Every batch is carefully documented and stored under appropriate conditions to maintain freshness, stability, and complete traceability from our fields to the finished product.
Applications of Lemon Balm
One of the most precious essential oils, appreciated for its fresh citrus-green aroma and exceptional rarity.
Lemon Balm essential oil and floral water are incorporated into premium skincare, facial care, body care, and haircare formulations where fresh botanical ingredients are desired.
Its delicate citrus-herbal aroma blends beautifully with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, neroli, citrus oils, and green accords, making it an elegant ingredient for fine fragrances and home scents.
Its refreshing botanical aroma makes Lemon Balm a valued ingredient in diffuser blends, spa collections, massage products, and wellness experiences.
Food-grade Lemon Balm is appreciated for its delicate citrus flavor and is traditionally used in herbal teas, botanical infusions, syrups, confectionery, beverages, and gourmet culinary applications where permitted by local regulations.
Why companies choose Essentia's Lemon Balm?
Light, uplifting, and naturally elegant, its fragrance brings freshness and refinement to a wide variety of botanical formulations.