Best storage conditions

Store fresh cut sprigs in the refrigerator at about 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity. Wrap the stems in a slightly damp paper towel inside a loosely closed bag, or stand them upright in a jar with a little water like a small bouquet and loosely tent the tops.

How long it keeps

Fresh refrigerated lemon balm keeps for roughly 5 to 7 days before it wilts and browns. Dried leaves hold usable flavor for about 6 to 12 months in a sealed container, and frozen leaves keep well for up to a year.

Storage methods

For short term use, refrigerate fresh sprigs as described above. For the longest storage, dry or freeze the leaves. Keep dried leaves whole until you use them, since crushing releases the aromatic oils that fade over time.

Freezing & preserving

To dry, bundle stems and hang them in a warm, dark, airy spot, or use a dehydrator on a low herb setting, then strip the crisp leaves into an airtight jar. To freeze, chop leaves and pack them into ice cube trays topped with water, or freeze whole leaves flat on a tray before bagging. Lemon balm is a low acid herb, so do not can it in a plain water bath on its own; if you want a canned product such as a jelly or a herb preserve, follow only tested USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) recipes, using pressure canning where a tested recipe calls for it.

Tips

Label containers with the date, since dried herbs fade in strength over the year. Store dried jars away from light and heat, and add fresh leaves to hot dishes at the very end of cooking because their scent is easily lost.

General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.