Mint: "The Cool Herb"

Just the mention of the word ‘mint’ gives a person the sense of a cool, refreshing taste and the feel of spring and summer. There is nothing more relaxing and appealing on a hot summer day than a glass of iced tea brewed with several fresh mint leaves!

There are over six hundred varieties of mint, representing a wide range of flavors including spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, lemon, ginger, orange, pineapple, and apple.

The mint plant is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia regions of the world and has been written about since Ancient Greece.

The most widely used mint is peppermint. The oils form this variety are best used in desserts and medicinal teas. The second most popular mint is spearmint, which is best used in sauces. In general, mint enhances most fruits and vegetables. Apple mint is a good substitute for apples in a salad.

Mint has the ability to take the gaminess out of meats such as lamb, duck and deer. A wonderful recipe for Mint Marinade for Lamb with Habaneros is courtesy of Executive Chef John Morey of Charlotte, NC.

Chocolate mint leaves steeped in to base mixture of homemade ice cream results in the appearance of vanilla ice cream, but with the taste of chocolate. This tricks the senses of sight and taste resulting in a culinary delight!

Peppermint is commonly used in the flavoring of medicines. The volatile oils help with head colds and headache relief, and an aid to the digestive system. Peppermint can also be used as a hot tea to soothe an upset stomach after a large meal. To make this tea, steep several fresh leaves (2 tsp. of dried) in a cup of hot water for about ten minutes. Personally, I have used the orange mint and gotten the same results.

In addition, mint is great as a breath freshener. No matter what the variety, popping a few leaves into ones mouth gives an instant gratification.

The main characteristic of the mint family (Mentha) is the square stems on the plant. By gently rubbing the stems you can easily notice this trait. Did you know that basil and lavender are members of the mint family?

Mint is a hardy perennial herb that can adapt to various soil conditions and thrive in damp areas. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade however; mint can be quite invasive in the garden. The best way to remedy this is to have the mint planted in its own raised bed or in a container. Do bear in mind that mint will also become invasive in the pot and will overtake other plants that it is companioned with. Pruning mint will result in more vigorous and thicker growth.

Lastly, there is only one major insect problem that I have incurred with mint and that is whiteflies. This can be remedied by using insecticidal soaps, or an all-natural plant extract such as 'Insects GoAway!' which can be found at I Must Garden.