Mint is a nearly foolproof culinary herb that is an absolute “must have” in your kitchen garden. This versatile and tough plant is a dream come true for beginning herb gardeners and those with a black thumb.
Growing tips and facts
Mint belongs to same plant family as many other popular culinary herbs, including basil, oregano, and rosemary. Like its culinary relatives, mint prefers full sun. It enjoys a more moist soil than most, however. In fact, if you keep the soil around your mint damp, it will reward you with more strongly scented leaves.
There are many varieties of mint available, with peppermint and spearmint being two of the most popular, but do seek out other interesting varieties such as chocolate mint or pineapple mint.
Mint is an excellent companion plant because its strong scent repels ants and many other garden pests. However, it is an aggressive grower that can quickly become an invasive nuisance. To make it behave, plant mint in containers or sink large bottomless plastic containers into the ground to prevent this assertive little fellow from taking over your garden.
Tips for using and preserving mint
To harvest mint, simply take clippings as needed from your plants. Look for the newest growth because it is the most flavourful. Rinse leaves thoroughly and pat dry before using.
With dozens of mint varieties to choose from, there are countless ways to enjoy this versatile culinary herb.
For starters, mint is a wonderful addition to ice tea and other beverages. Mint is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails, including mint juleps, mojitos and gimlets. Bruise, or muddle, the leaves before adding to drinks for best results.
Mint is also a nice surprise when tossed into mixed green salads. Roll leaves and then slice into thin sections first so the flavour in each bite doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Mint is a welcome addition to many desserts, as well. Try adding finely chopped mint leaves to chocolate chip cookie dough before baking. Or use fresh mint leaves to enhance homemade sorbet or ice cream recipes.
Excess mint can be frozen alone or in ice cube trays. It can also be dried and stored in an airtight container for future use.
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