Okay, so how much do you know about mint? And if you do know about this herb, are you aware of the many varieties available? Finally, how does each variety gets its name? Consequently, Mint – July Featured Ingredient is going to answer some of the questions you have been wondering about and a few more facts. Give this herb a whirl real soon.
Mint – July Featured Ingredient
Seems like no matter what grocery or farmers market you visit, most often fresh mint is in abundance. First what is mint? It’s a versatile herb, bursting with a cool flavor suitable for use in sweet and savory dishes and cocktails. There are approximately 25 species of this vibrant, fragrant plant and grow at a fast pace. Mint should be grown where the plants can spread as a result is this plants nature. In addition, some varieties will come back year after year and should be thinned as the plants grow.
Mint – July Featured Ingredient
Peppermint, Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, and Sweet Mint are the varieties most often found in garden centers for purchase to grow in your own garden. Did you know you can grow mint as ground cover between pavers and walkways to emit a wonderful fragrance as its walked on. So, mint isn’t just for cooking. I still remember a huge patch that grew along side our house growing up the beautiful purple flowers that would bloom as the plants got older. Like most herbs, pick before they flower because the herb can be bitter.
Mint – July Featured Ingredient
Mint gets its name from the taste each variety has yet almost all have similar leaf characteristics. Mint can be used fresh or dried, however, a little goes a long way. Create cocktails like Mojitos and iced teas. Maybe add a bit to syrups, jellies, or ice creams. Did you know mint tea is a great remedy for an upset stomach? Works wonders, I promise. The oil from mint is what’s used in chewing gum, mints, and candy. And don’t forget the oil is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath mints.
Want to try your hand at growing mint, click here and here for more information on how-to. Share your favorite way to use mint at #chowdownlowdown or leave a reply. Until next month…
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