Mint

Mint is the Greek mythological symbol of hospitality. It was once the nymph Mentha who angered Pluto’s wife and turned her into an herb. In Biblical times, mint was used to perfume homes, and temples. There are over 30 different species of mint plants, in the genus mentha. (The genus menthe includes Basil, sages, and balms, to name a few)

The two most common varieties of mint are spearmint and peppermint. Peppermint has fuzzy, slightly rounded leaves that are light green. Spearmint has pointed, smooth, deep green leaves. Each variety of mint has a slightly different flavor. Mints such as “lemon mint”, “chocolate mint”, “pineapple mint” have the slight undertone of the name of the mint. Mint grows wildly and rampantly. It is hard to control. The roots are very invasive and will take over landscaping. Mint contains mentha. It can be very therapeutic. Large amounts of mint will cause insomnia. Small amounts may promote sleep. Peppermint can alleviate colic, gallbladder problems, and spasms. It is an antiseptic, tonic, expectorant, stomachic, and aids in digestion.

What to pair with Mint??

beans, black

carrots

chocolate

cream sauce

duck

eggplant

fish soups and stews

fruit salads

goat

ices

ice creams

lamb

lemon sauce

lentils

mushrooms

oranges

peas

peppers

pilafs

pork

potatoes

rice

salsas, especially tomato

tomatoes

vegetable salads

vegetables

yogurt dressings

cucumbers

mango

black tea

mint tea

A Mint by Any Other Name..... Arabic: na nal French: mentha Indian: podina Mexico: yerba buena Malaysian: daun pudina Spanish: yerba buena or menta Vietnamese: que, rauthoon, ha to, hung (different varieties) German: Minze Laotian: pak hom ho Morocco: nana Sri Lanka: Meenchhi Thai: by kaprow Greek: diosmo