Mint

Common Name

Throughout history, mint has been celebrated for its bright personality and refreshing fragrance and flavor. The use of mint as a culinary herb and medicinal can be traced back to Greek mythology. It is said that Persephone, the wife of Pluto, was jealous of the attention her husband was giving to Minthe a nymph, so she turned her into a plant. Pluto attempted to change Minthe back into a person, but managed only to give her (the plant) the charm and characteristic aroma that embodies mint today.

Legend aside, ancient Greeks added mint to their baths and rubbed it on their feast tables to freshen the dining lounge and welcome dinner guests.

Many cultures used mint to fumigate homes and drive away insects. In the Middle East mint tea was and still is offered during dinner as a sign of hospitality. Ancient Romans used mint to freshen their breath and in cooking, and as the Roman Empire spread throughout Europe, mint followed its path.

Once established on the continent mint became a common ingredient of natural medicine and remained popular through Medieval times. Eventually, colonists brought mint to the New World only to find related species growing wild.

So-called English mint is used in several popular genteel cocktails like Pimm's and mint juleps, and also in Caribbean mojitos. In a pinch however, any mint variety will do.

Mint is an invasive herb with over twenty-five different species, many of which cross breed with each other. Peppermint for example, is a cross between watermint and spearmint.

Mint symbolizing hospitality and wisdom. Mint's fresh taste and cleansing aroma, is reminiscent of chlorophyll and leaves a slight tingle in the mouth.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Historically mint has been used to cure everything from headaches to insomnia. Today, peppermint is known as a soothing stomach aid, however recent research suggests that a phytonutrient called monoterpene may help prevent the growth of certain kinds of cancer.

Historically, mint has been used to:

• Aid digestion
• As an anti-microbial
• Relieve asthma symptoms
• As a source of vitamin A, C and beta-carotene
• Cure heartburn
• As a carminative
• Promote sleep - as a mild sedative
• Freshen breath
• As a decongestant

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

With over 25 species of mint in cultivation and growing wild - not including hybrids - knowing which to use for cooking can be confusing. It is thought that spearmint is best for cooking and peppermint makes the best tea. Most mint, except for those varieties that are particular strong or bitter can be used in the kitchen.

All kinds of mint can be added to green salads or chopped into any dish that could use a bit of brightening up. Buy mint fresh when possible as its flavor is superior to the dried variety. Store fresh mint in a sealed container in the fridge and it will keep for several days.  Food for thought:

• Add chopped mint to green or fruit salad
• Add chopped mint to a glass of lemonade
• Add julienned mint to tomato based soups or sauces
• Sprinkle mint leaves over fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar
• Add mint to any lamb or mutton dish
• Make a simple syrup with mint, strain and use for sorbets, in iced tea and to flavor cocktails
• Crush a handful of fresh mint and lemon balm and steep in hot water. Strain and serve hot or cold with lemon and sugar.

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