How to Use Mint

Mint is one of the most widely used and famous herbs. It's easy to cultivate and has a wide variety of uses. It also has many medicinal uses, and unlike some medicinal herbs, it tastes great. This flavor also gives it many culinary uses. In addition, it's available in many types such as spearmint, peppermint, apple mint and pineapple mint.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Use peppermint for medicinal purposes. While other types of mint, such as spearmint, are used for their flavor, only peppermint contains menthol, a source of medicinal properties. Peppermint consists of at least 50 percent menthol and is one of the best sources of the compound; in use for over 2000 years.
2. Make a medicinal tea by boiling a teaspoon or two of fresh or dried peppermint in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. The tea is pleasant tasting by itself, but you can add a little sugar or honey to add sweetness.
3. Drink the tea after meals to aid with digestion. Menthol stimulates bile flow which improves and speeds digestion. It also calms the muscles in the digestive system, so mint tea can help soothe stomach aches and cramps, especially those brought on by overeating. Mint also calms menstrual cramps and other muscle spasms.
4. Harvest mint leaves when they are young for culinary purposes. Older, larger mint leaves can become bitter.
5. Toss mint leaves in a variety of beverages. Whole peppermint or spearmint leaves go well in lemonade and tea. Apple mint, pineapple mint and spearmint compliment fruit beverages. Use spearmint combined with rum, carbonated water, lime and sugar to make the popular alcoholic beverage mojito.
6. Season fruit salads, fruit jellies and chocolate puddings and pies with mint. Use a sprig to garnish the dish when serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Peppermint contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also has fibre, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Grow mint in dedicated beds or pots. It is invasive and takes over any area where it is planted.
• Do not mix different varieties of mint in one area of the garden. They'll interbreed and their flavors can lose distinction.

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