Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America, mints are a major genus of mint family, cultivated worldwide as an important culinary herb. The name "mint" comes from a nymph named Minthe or Menthe, a character in Greek mythology who, according to legend, was Pluto's girlfriend. Pluto's wife, Persephone, became jealous and turned Minthe into a ground-clinging plant. Although Pluto was unable to change Minthe back into a nymph, he gave her the ability to sweeten the air when her leaves and stems were crushed. Because mint is so widely available and there are so many different types, its popularity as a culinary and medicinal herb has remained throughout history. Mint isn’t only known for its medicinal properties or its smell. Historically it was seen as a symbol of hospitality. And the origins of this use are similarly found in mythology. Greek mythology holds clues to mint’s use: two strangers were visiting a village but were greeted with serious attitude. The villagers didn’t welcome them. Finally, an old couple in the village invited the strangers in. Philemon and Baucus offered to feed the strangers. Before the meal, the couple rubbed down their table with mint to give it a clean and fresh scent. After receiving such hospitality, the strangers revealed themselves to be Zeus and Hermes. Zeus and Hermes turned the couple’s home into a temple, and mint became a symbol of hospitality as a result.
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Dried peppermint leaves have even been found in several Egyptian pyramids carbon dating back to 1,000 BC. Many cultures treasured this herb. The Pharisees paid their tithes with mint. The Romans crowned themselves with peppermint wreaths. The Greeks used mint in temple rites and believed it could clear the voice and counteract sea serpent stings. In the 1700s, mint was considered to be an important medicinal herb, appearing in remedies for everything from digestive disorders to headaches. Additionally, in the 18th century, mint also began to make more appearances in foods and drinks. Today mint is a popular ingredient in beauty and health products as well as salads, drinks and teas. Mint tea has gained some popularity as a mild diuretic.
Mint Plant Description
Mint is a strongly aromatic square-stemmed annual that can grow to thirty-two inches and produce serrated leaves which are harvested just before flowering. Various species grow naturally worldwide and can quickly take over a garden by sending up new offshoots from their rapidly spreading roots, Mint is a small bushy herb with wide spreading stolons, branched stems, oblong leaves that are dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow. Mint also has white to purple flowers.
Mint Varieties
There are many Mint varieties,all fragrant, whether shiny or fuzzy, smooth or crinkled, bright green or variegated. All varying slightly in flavour, aroma and appearance. They are categorized in the genus ‘Mentha’, which has up to 18 species, within the Lamiaceae family of plants.
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The Lamiaceae family is known as the mint family. However, the largest group of plants in the mint family is actually the delightful Salvias with their brilliantly coloured blooms. Many other commonly known herbs are also found in this family, including basil, sage, thyme and even lavender.
Peppermint
Chocolate mint
Pineapple mint
Pineapple mint is a creeping plant that spreads from shallow underground rhizomes. Clumps grow 2 to 3 feet tall, and unlimited in width. The aromatic, opposite leaves are oval to oblong, 1-2 inches long and ¾ – 1.5 inches wide with toothed or serrated margins.
Spearmint
Orange mint
Orange mint has a softer smell than spearmint, the smell is similar to the smell of citrus blossoms. Orange mint leaves are a slightly deeper green than spearmint, the edges less ragged, the ridges on the surface much more symmetrically spaced.
Apple mint
Apple mint typically grows to a height of from 40 to 100 centimetre (16 to 39 in) tall and spreads by stolons to form clonal colonies. The foliage is light green, with the opposite, wrinkled, sessile leaves being oblong to nearly ovate, 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in) long and 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) broad. They are hairy on top and downy underneath with serrated edges.
consisting of a number of whorls of white or pinkish flowers.
Ginger Mint
Ginger mint (Mentha x gracilis syn. Mentha x gentilis) is a cross between corn mint and spearmint, and smells very much like spearmint. Often called slender mint or scotch mint, variegated ginger mint plants have beautiful bright yellow stripes on the leaves. Height: 30–70 cm (12–28 in.). Stem quite erect, branched, 4-edged, scantly haired, shiny, dark reddish. Ginger Mint is an upright perennial
Mint is packed with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals and makes an excellent digestif
Fresh mint, including spearmint and peppermint, contains several vitamins and minerals you need for your good health, fresh mint contains trace amounts of iron, a mineral you need to make red blood cells. Mint also has small amounts of fiber, vitamin A and potassium. One of the primary benefits of fresh mint is that it contains potent antioxidants.Watch The Health Benefits Of Mint Video
Health Benefits of Mint Tea
Peppermint tea has been used for centuries to relieve a variety of ailments
- Menthol and pulegone are the main substances found in mint that are responsible for its strong aroma and flavor. Menthol also plays a role in alleviating common cold symptoms. It acts as a natural nasal decongestant by breaking up phlegm and mucus. It helps clear up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs. Its effectiveness may be enhanced when combined with tea for relieving sore throats.
- Mint tea can relieve bad breath caused by smoking, drinking alcohol or eating onions or garlic.
- The aroma of mint tea can boost mental performance and promote focus, making tea a useful drink for students, employees in the workplace or anytime alertness and energy are required.
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- Mint also promotes digestion by activating salivary glands and other glands to secret digestive enzymes. It serves as an appetizer or palate cleanser and promotes digestion.
- When selecting mint for your own use, the fresh leaves will impart a superior flavor to dried leaves. Look for fresh leaves that are green in color without any dark spots or yellowing. In addition to using fresh mint leaves in tea, you can add them to soups, fruit or salad.
- These are potent plants, full of phytocompounds that plants manufacture to protect themselves against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other assaults from the environments they evolved in.
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In conclusion, mint stands as a timeless culinary companion, weaving its aromatic magic through the tapestry of gastronomy. With roots that delve deep into history, this herb has not only flavored dishes for centuries but has also carved a niche for itself in the realm of health and wellness.
From ancient medicinal uses to modern culinary delights, mint has proven its versatility. Its ability to elevate the taste and aroma of dishes is unmatched, making it a staple in kitchens around the world. Whether it's a refreshing minty kick in a summer salad or a soothing note in a cup of tea, the herb's culinary contributions are both diverse and indispensable.
Beyond its culinary prowess, mint boasts a repertoire of potential health benefits. Its soothing properties are renowned for alleviating digestive discomfort, while its aromatic essence has been harnessed for its stress-relieving qualities. Mint's journey from the garden to the plate is not just a culinary delight, but a holistic experience that encompasses well-being.
As we savor the distinct freshness that mint brings to our meals, it's evident that its legacy is not confined to the confines of flavor alone. It's a reminder of the rich tapestry of tradition and health, a herb that transcends time and continues to weave its aromatic charm into the very fabric of our lives. So, whether you're garnishing a dessert or brewing a cup of tea, let the vibrant essence of mint be a testament to the enduring allure of this ancient herb.
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