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Mint, Fresh and Lively

Normally, we do not think of mint as a summer herb because it thrives in cooler weather. However, mint also thrives in the heat as long as it has some shade. Mint has a very fresh, aromatic, sweet and spicy flavor with a soothing, cool aftertaste. The soothing coolness makes it a very useful herb in the summer. Its cooling properties are like no other herb and whether it is in a crisp salad or a cool, soothing drink, mint definitely has its place in our summertime recipes.

Mint’s origins are a bit tough to trace because there are so many species of mint found all throughout the world. There are about 25 named species and several hundred varieties of mint. Many believe it can be traced back to Europe, Asia and North Africa but some still suggest that mint’s roots can be traced back to each of the continents.

In ancient Greece mint was used in funerals to offset the pungent smell of decay and also as an ingredient in a fermented barley drink that funeral attendees drank as a hope offering intended to follow the dead into the afterlife. In Greek Mythology the nymph, Minthe, was changed into an herb plant that released a powerful fragrance when she was threatened or trod upon.

With its beautiful spiky flowers of pink, purple or white, this perennial plant, is as beautiful as it is invasive with roots that move through the soil and spread and spread. Mints are a wonderful garden herb because they are easy to grow and make excellent companion plants that repel bad insects and attract beneficial ones. Mint leaves are best used fresh because they retain a much deeper fragrance and flavor. Its culinary uses are numerous in modern cuisines and the herb is still used in traditional, authentic cooking in regions around the world. It is extremely popular in the Middle East, and we see it used in countless dishes from North Africa to Israel and Syria. Of course, this is where the lamb and mint pairing began, and that delicious tradition has spread throughout the world. Mint is also used in several drinks around the world because it has extremely beneficial cooling properties. Drinks like the mojito, which originated as drink in Cuba, are made of mint mixed with rum and sugar and are very cooling and soothing in the heat. Mint’s versatility goes beyond just cooling in the heat. Mint pairs incredibly well with most other herbs adding a vibrant, sweet, crisp flavor. That is why we see it in modern fusion food the world throughout.

Mint’s medicinal properties are no less impressive in usefulness and versatility. It is used to treat stomach aches, chest pains, sunburns and even to whiten teeth and freshen breath. It is also a powerful diuretic that aids in digestion. Its digestive properties are one reason why mint tea is enjoyed around the world after meals, especially heavy meals. Its power to breakdown fats has been integral in new studies and trials on using mint in the treatment of obesity. I’s scent is a powerful aid in the alleviation of head colds, congestion, and bronchial issues. It is also used to treat insect bites because of its cooling, soothing properties.

It is also interesting to note that it is used in the making of common insecticides for the use of repelling mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches and flies. There are also many organic pesticide makers currently studying its use as a pesticide for organic foods.

Mint is one of the most versatile herbs in the world. The possibilities are endless with this beautiful herb. Don’t neglect it in your summer cooking; it is always around growing profusely and waiting for you to enjoy!