This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = cmd_00249(GDF v2.1.1, ? attributes, 29 sections).Renderer:
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Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Lemon Balm |
| Scientific name | Melissa officinalis |
| Family / Genus | Lamiaceae / — |
| Produce category | Herb |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| AGROVOC URI | c_4600 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 12.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Lemon Balm | 45% | The most widely available form, known for its classic, mild lemon scent and flavor. Vigorous growth and adaptability to various climates. |
| Quedlinburger Niederliegende | 18% | A German cultivar prized for its high essential oil content and intense lemon aroma. Often used for teas, extracts, and culinary applications. Tends to have a more compact growth habit. |
| Lemonella | 12% | Known for its particularly strong and sweet lemon fragrance and flavor, making it excellent for culinary use, teas, and potpourri. |
| Lime Balm | 7% | A distinct cultivar with a pronounced lime-like scent and flavor in addition to the lemon notes. Vigorous grower with attractive foliage. |
| Aurea | 4% | Also known as Golden Lemon Balm, this variety features attractive golden-variegated leaves, especially in spring. Its flavor is milder, often grown for ornamental appeal. |
| Compacta | 3% | A dwarf variety with a dense, compact growth habit, making it ideal for container gardening or small spaces. Retains a good lemon scent and flavor. |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 31.5°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | low |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Sensitivity threshold | 1 ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Lemon balm is a non-climacteric herb with low ethylene production and sensitivity. Maintain high humidity to prevent wilting.
Mixed-load compatibility
Low ethylene producers, low ethylene sensitive
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Increasing, driven by interest in herbal teas, culinary uses, and natural remedies for stress and sleep.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.8 |
| Income elasticity | 0.6 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.5 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Melissa officinalis (Common Lemon Balm) | 100% |
Pack sizes
- 0.5 oz bunch
- 1 oz bunch
- 4 oz clamshell
- 8 oz bulk bag
- 1 lb bulk bag
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T23:50:00.000Z.