Koppert Cress, an international distributor of aromatic cresses used by chefs around the world, introduces Melissa Cress, a beautiful aromatic blend of mint flavor and has, when crushed, a subtle lemon fragrance reminiscent of lemon zest.

Use in combination with sweet products such as crustaceans, mollusks and white fish, vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, fennel, citrus and sour apple. Also suitable for Asian-related dishes and in combination with heavy flavors such as lamb, cheese or game. Melissa Cress is a useful ingredient to add flavor and aroma to (sparkling) water or beverages.

Melissa Cress is the young seedling of Melissa officinalis. The botanical name “Melissa” is derived from the Latin word for bee, due to the lavish amount of nectar found within its flowers. The species is native in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean to Central Asia, but has spread as an alien species throughout the rest of the world. This plant is also called lemon balm or more commonly balm mint. It is a perennial herbaceous plant and part of the mint family. The leaves of the fully-grown plant have a mild lemon scent similar to mint.

Click HERE to see a video about Melissa Cress, Koppert Cress’s latest creation.