posted 1 month ago
I think that all monardas are used as a spice or culinary herb. Some taste more like oregano, mint, or thyme. In my area there are two. Monarda fistulosa or sweet-leaf (light blue flowers) is wild and grows everywhere, and they are thyme-like in flavor, but with a coolness as well. Red bee balm is cultivated in gardens and is more like a rich mild oregano.
I have also tried the seeds of Monarda fistulosa but not in quantity. I think that many lamiaceae also have edible seeds—Sage seeds have been eaten as a grain in many cultures.