Lemon verbena and honey granita

lemon-verbena-granita1.jpg

The lemon verbena plant that I planted last year and almost lost to a summer storm, is now firmly established and positively thriving. Whenever I pass it I can't resist rubbing a leaf, because it smells so wonderful.

Transferring that wonderful lemony scent to taste is quite easy - simply steeping it in some boiling water for about 10 to 15 minutes does the trick. This granita is infused with the aroma of lemon verbena, soured with a little lemon juice, and sweetened with a delicate acacia honey. Any light colored honey will work here instead. It makes a wonderful light dessert or palate cleanser, or cooling summer snack.

Lemon verbena and honey granita

  • About 8 large sprigs of fresh lemon verbena
  • 3 Tbs. acacia honey, or a similar light-colored runny honey
  • 1 small organic lemon
  • 500 ml / 2 cups boiling water
  • Additional honey for drizzling
  • Additional lemon verbena leaves for garnish

Wash the lemon verbena if needed under cold water. Zest the lemon (peel off the yellow part only with a vegetable peeler). Juice the lemon.

Bring the water to a boil and put into a pan with the verbena and lemon zest. Smash the leaves down a bit if they are floating above the water. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes.

Take out the leaves and zest, and put in the lemon juice and honey (add more if you want it sweeter). Strain through a sieve to take out any leaf bits or lemon seeds. Let cool to room temperature.

Put into a flat plastic container and cover. Place in freezer for about 2 hours. Take it out and mash and scrape it into a slush with a fork. You can serve this right away, or put it back in the freezer to serve later. (If it turns into a block of ice, microwave it on the Defrost setting for about 3 minutes, and mash up with a fork.)

To serve, mound into a glass and garnish with a fresh lemon verbena sprig. Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of honey per glass on top (Drizzling the honey on the leaves makes it look like there are dew drops on the leaves.)

Variations

You can try this formula with any fragrant herb that you think would make a good granita base. Lemon balm would work fine of course, as would mint.

To turn the granita into an interesting cocktail, add some chilled vodka.

Filed under:  dessert lighter vegetarian sweet summer tea

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Comments

I've never tasted anything with verbena in it but I know that I used to LOVE a lotion that had a Coconut Lime Verbena flavor! I absolutely loved the smell. Is verbena only lemon verbena or does it come in other varieties? Great drink.

This sounds so lovely and refreshing. Thanks for sharing, and I'll definitely give it a try.

There are other varieties of verbena...some are ornamental and grown for their flowers. Lemon verbena has tiny white flowers. And the smell is unmistakable!

I was thrilled to see your recipe! I have a huge pot of Lemon Verbena that I have grown this summer and am always looking for new ways to use it. The smell of it is intoxicating and it wafts through the garden during a good breeze. This sounds very lovely and refreshing. You have a beautiful blog spot as well. Thank you. Patrick

This recipe looks great but if it has honey in it its not vegan and shouldn't really be listed in this section.