The Lemon Family
Overview
Few flavors are as universally beloved in tea as lemon. Bright, clean, and uplifting, lemon in all its forms adds a vibrant citrus character that pairs beautifully with nearly every type of tea — from delicate white teas to robust black blends. While lemon peel and lemon juice come directly from the citrus fruit Citrus limon, lemongrass and lemon verbena are entirely separate plants that share lemon's bright aromatic profile. Together, this family of ingredients brings layers of citrus complexity to any cup.
Lemon Peel
About
Lemon peel is the dried outer zest of the lemon fruit, packed with fragrant essential oils that deliver a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor. Unlike lemon juice, the peel adds brightness without significant acidity, making it a versatile addition to both hot and iced blends.
Flavor Profile
- Bright, zesty, and aromatic
- Citrusy sweetness with a slight bitterness from the pith
- More fragrant than tart — less acidic than juice
- Adds a sunshiny lift to any blend
Traditionally Used For
- Rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoids
- Supports immune function and skin health
- Contains d-limonene, known for anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports digestion and liver health
- Natural mood-lifting aroma
Lemon Juice
About
Fresh lemon juice is the classic tea companion — a squeeze added to the cup rather than brewed into a blend. Its acidity brightens flavors, balances sweetness, and can visually transform color-reactive teas like butterfly blue pea flower from blue to a vivid pink-purple.
Flavor Profile
- Tart, tangy, and refreshingly acidic
- Clean citrus with a sharp, lively finish
- Brightens and lifts surrounding flavors
- Best added fresh to the cup just before drinking
Traditionally Used For
- High in Vitamin C — immune and skin support
- Supports digestion when taken with warm water
- Alkalizing effect on the body despite acidic taste
- Natural detoxifier and hydration enhancer
- Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
Lemongrass
About
Lemongrass is a tall tropical grass native to South and Southeast Asia, widely used in culinary and wellness traditions across Thailand, India, and West Africa. Its long, fibrous stalks carry a fresh, grassy citrus aroma from the compound citral. In tea, lemongrass brings a light, clean lemon flavor that is softer and more herbal than lemon peel, making it a beautiful base for herbal and green tea blends.
Flavor Profile
- Fresh, grassy, and softly citrusy
- Lighter and more herbal than lemon peel
- Clean and refreshing with a gentle floral hint
- Wonderful both hot and cold brewed
Traditionally Used For
- Supports digestive health and reduces bloating
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Natural diuretic — supports kidney and detox function
- May help lower cholesterol levels
- Reduces anxiety and promotes a calm, relaxed state
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support
Lemon Verbena
About
Lemon verbena is a flowering shrub native to South America, celebrated for producing one of the most intensely lemony aromas in the plant world. A favorite in European herbal tea traditions — particularly in France and Spain where it is known as verveine — its delicate leaves release a pure, bright lemon fragrance that is more concentrated and floral than either lemongrass or lemon peel. It is naturally caffeine-free and wonderfully soothing.
Flavor Profile
- Intensely lemony — the most aromatic of the lemon family
- Bright and floral with a clean, sweet finish
- Delicate and refined — pairs beautifully with chamomile and mint
- Fragrance is as enjoyable as the flavor itself
Traditionally Used For
- Rich in the antioxidant verbascoside
- Supports healthy digestion and reduces bloating
- Reduces exercise-related muscle damage and oxidative stress
- Mild calming effect — supports relaxation and sleep
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Traditionally used to ease cold and flu symptoms
Brewing Notes
- Lemon Peel: 200–212°F / 93–100°C — steep 5–7 minutes; best combined with other herbs or black tea
- Lemon Juice: Add fresh to the cup after brewing — avoid steeping to prevent bitterness
- Lemongrass: 200–212°F / 93–100°C — steep 5–7 minutes; excellent cold brewed overnight
- Lemon Verbena: 190–200°F / 88–93°C — steep 5–7 minutes; avoid boiling water to preserve delicate oils
Teas Featuring Lemon
Coming soon — we will list blends that feature lemon peel, lemongrass, and lemon verbena here. In the meantime, you can browse our Herbal Teas and Green Teas.