Koppert Cress has launched Melissa Cress a blend of mint flavour and when crushed, a subtle lemon fragrance reminiscent of lemon zest.

Melissa Cress can be used in combination with sweet products such as crustaceans, molluscs, and white fish, and vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, fennel, citrus, and sour apple. It It is also suitable for Asian-related dishes and in combination with heavy flavours such as lamb or cheese. Melissa Cress is a useful ingredient to add flavour and aroma to sparkling water and 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, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia, but has spread throughout 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.

Koppert Cress is constantly looking for natural and innovative ingredients, which chefs can use to intensify the flavour, aroma and presentation of their dishes. Cresses are freshly germinated seedlings of 100% natural aromatic plants. These plants provide freshness and intensity of taste and aroma that is almost exclusively found in young plants.