Get ready for a day in the Dutch countryside that’s equal parts sunny, fragrant, and hands-on. We’re talking about picking your own verbena—specifically lemon verbena, that wonderfully citrus-scented herb that practically begs to be touched. On several pick-your-own farms across the Netherlands, you’ll find rows of these elegant green plants from June to September. The best part? The smell. As soon as you brush against a leaf, a burst of lemony freshness lifts your spirits. Go on, give a leaf a gentle rub between your fingers.
Selecting and Picking Grab a basket and a pair of scissors. You’re looking for stems that are lush and green, without any yellowing or wilted leaves. The top of the plant is where the most tender, flavorful leaves live. Snip the sprigs just above a leaf node—this encourages the plant to bush out and keep growing for the next pickers—and leave at least a third of the foliage on the plant. Pick in the morning, once the dew has dried, when the leaves are most aromatic. Verbena is light, so a full basket might look like a lot, but it shrinks a bit when dried or chopped. Handle the leaves gently, as they bruise easily.
Using Verbena Once Home Keep the sprigs unwashed in the fridge, standing in a glass of water and loosely covered with a bag; they stay fresh for up to a week. Rinse them gently just before use and pat dry. You can also dry bundles upside down in a dark, airy spot for teas and sachets, or use it fresh right away. It’s a wonderful addition to shortbread cookies, fruit salads, and even as a garnish for lemonade. And because it’s an herb, here’s that extra tea recipe:
Lemon Verbena Tea (Simple & Soothing) Grab 5–7 fresh leaves (or one to two teaspoons of dried) per cup. Place them in a teapot or a mug. Pour over water just off the boil, cover, and steep for 3–5 minutes. Strain and sip. You can add a spoonful of honey if you like it sweeter, but honestly, it’s perfect on its own—and it’s lovely chilled as an iced tea, too.
So grab your hat and your basket—your Dutch verbena adventure is calling!