The taste of mint is unparalleled. Mint, which has been valued for millennia, is also an effective medicine for relieving various diseases.
As with all flavor-intensive ingredients, it is important for mint to use during cooking. There are two possibilities: We did everything well and the finished food is heavenly delicious – or the whole thing is bad.
Interesting facts about mint
- Its name is of Greek origin. Greek mythology holds that Hades, the god of the underworld, whose jealous and enraged wife Persephone turned the beautiful nymph into a spice and herb, the nymph Menthe. However, according to another version, Hades turned the nymph into mint, thus saving him from the revenge of Persephone.
- There are also special mint species where, in addition to the pleasant menthol aroma, other aromas and flavors can be discovered, such as lemon, apple, orange or pineapple mint, and greenish-brown chocolate mint. In this intense menthol chocolate-scented plant, one thinks one is merely joking about one’s senses.
- Mint is a very easy to grow, frost-tolerant plant. It requires nutrient-rich soil, light, and water. It can also be planted in flower boxes and pots, but it is advisable to think about where to put it in the garden, as it spreads very quickly and aggressively. Put it near fruit trees as its flower attracts bees like a magnet, thereby promoting pollination!
- It should be taken before flowering in July and September. In this case, the leaves have a strong menthol scent, their taste first burning and then cooling. If you want to dry it, the cut shoots in the oven for three minutes, adding a small glass of water. The shoots can also be dried in the attic or hung in a dark, dry, drafted place. It can also be frozen if you want to use it later.
- Its medical uses are very diverse. An antispasmodic and antibacterial herb that is also suitable for the treatment of indigestion, bloating, and inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder and bile duct. Externally, its essential oil is beneficial for colds and coughs. It is important to know that menthol-containing preparations such as nasal drops, nasal ointment, or inhalation of essential oils should not be used in young children, as menthol may cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it.
- A cup of mint tea – in addition to the aforementioned therapeutic effects – revitalizes, ie invigorates, drives drowsiness, fatigue, stimulates brain function and thinking. For the mint tea, make a scoop of dried leaves with 1.5 dl of water, leave to stand for five to ten minutes, then filter. We can sweeten it to taste. Moderation is also recommended here, it can be consumed with three or four cups a day.
- Mint tea has a long tradition of frequent consumption in North Africa and the Arab world. Sipping hot, fragrant tea in an ornate silver or copper jug is part of everyday life.
Take advantage of the versatility of mint
Mint is an incredibly versatile herb. It can also be used to make raw and cooked food, as well as sweets and desserts. It is also very popular as a refreshing addition to various drinks – it is also the protagonist of many cocktails, as well as an excellent ingredient for making tea.
Do you know the different types of mint?
Many different varieties are known. The most commonly used varieties are peppermint and spearmint. The taste of the two related plants is completely different. The taste of peppermint is lighter, more restrained – excellent for flavoring salads and cocktails (keyword Mojito :)) Spearmint contains more menthol, so it tastes more intense than peppermint. Due to its high menthol content, it is preferred for use in medicine. It is an excellent raw material for tea and helps to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints.
Spearmint cannot be replaced 1: 1 with peppermint
In some cases, the peppermint needed to prepare the food may not be available in any of the stores. All right, then have spearmint instead. Basically, this is not a problem, but it is important to consider the high menthol content of spearmint. If we use the prescription amount of peppermint, the food is likely to be inedible. Our tip: start with a small amount and then increase the dose as needed – so nothing is going to go wrong!
How to properly store mint
There are many ways to store mint. The easiest method: store fresh mint in the refrigerator. Like a bouquet of flowers, place the fresh mint in a glass of water and store it refrigerated.
Another way to dry the plant is to hang it up and let it air dry. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrating machine or a hot air oven
You can also freeze the fresh mint. The advantage is that the taste does not change when dry. Tip: cut into small pieces, add to an ice cube form, then fill with water – voilà, ice cubes with a little extra.
Mint tea
Mint poured with hot water can be enjoyed not only as tea – the refreshing juice goes well with fruit salads and mixed drinks.
Cocktail time
The best way to make cocktails is to crush the mint with a pestle, optimally in a glass, so you don’t lose its flavor. Using a mortar and pestle smash the leaves but do not become pasty. Caution: If you press too much, the chlorophyll in the leaf will be released and the cocktail will become bitter.
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Last updated: September 24, 2023
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