Green dacha. Orange tea recipes

One incident forced me to take a pen and write this note. Sometimes I brought some of the fruits of my labor from my summer cottage to the market. One day I decided to grab mint, since it had grown quite wildly. To my surprise, it was in great demand. Only once, a woman passing by dissuaded my buyer, saying that I was selling catnip.

I had to explain for a long time that my mint is not peppermint, which is most often grown in garden plots, but green or spearmint (m. Spicata), which blooms extremely profusely. Its young leaves are very fragrant and are used for teas.

Mint belongs to the herbaceous plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is well known throughout the world and is widely used for medicinal purposes and as a seasoning, as well as in the perfume, alcoholic beverage, and tobacco industries. I will not expand on this, since its beneficial properties have long been known to everyone. Rather, I would like to say that most types of mint have beautiful and pleasantly smelling leaves, and the flowers attract bees and bumblebees. So mint can deservedly be grown as an ornamental plant; it grows well in large containers, on balconies, and on terraces, since it is a very unpretentious plant.

It is also very interesting that different types, varieties and varieties of mint cross quite easily with each other. Therefore, enthusiastic gardeners can experiment and discover something unexpected for themselves. Although, it turns out, new varieties of mint have appeared with amazing smells: basil, pineapple, orange, lemon, ginger, etc. The intensity of the mint smell depends on the concentration of essential oils in the plant juice. The following have a very strong aroma: English mint (spear mint), pepper mint and its varieties.

In fact, according to various encyclopedic sources, there are 20-25 types of mints. Mint has long been grown in Europe, and in Russia it began to be cultivated at the end of the last century in order to obtain mint oil, which was very expensive - 25 rubles per pound. Small factories were built and mint plantations were sown. But breeders were not always able to obtain the oil of the desired smell and color, since they did not know that English peppermint of the “white” varieties grown near the city of Cambridge was best suited for this. And to make matters worse, they tried to propagate mint by seeds. But you need to know that not all mint and not in all conditions can produce good seeds. When purchasing seeds and sowing, they sometimes received a lot of different-sized offspring that were not similar to the parent. It was difficult for gardeners to understand the secrets of this complex genus, but that is why it is interesting.

I'll introduce you to some of the mints I've found.

In first place, of course, peppermint (menthe piperita), the most common and fragrant. Grown as a result of crossing water mint and spearmint.

Apple mint, or fragrant, is also found in our gardens. It is distinguished by elegant, more rounded and velvety leaves, but is inferior in the intensity of the aroma.

Lemon mint- a type of peppermint. With a characteristic lemon aroma.

Mint green, or spiked, is a rather powerful, profusely flowering plant with a strong aroma.

Mint "Iocca"- a little-known variety, has a specific oriental aroma.

Pineapple mint (fragrant)- has two-colored very beautiful leaves with a white border. Can decorate any garden bed and flower arrangement.

Thuringian mint- a type of peppermint, valued for its high menthol content.

Corsican mint- can be quite used in garden landscaping, since the plant is only a few centimeters high with very small leaves and forms a continuous carpet that blooms with light purple flowers.

Ginger mint (fine)- is also a garden decoration due to the beautiful variegated (yellow-green) color of the leaves.

Curly mint- can also be found in our gardens, it is very similar to spearmint. Has a pleasant aroma.

Bergamot mint- has a complex aroma, it is widely used in perfumery.

English mint- a variety of green mint. Its crushed leaves smell like chewing gum.

In my opinion, this plant can present us with any surprises.

In the old days, mint was added to cattle feed to improve appetite. However, we should not forget that an overdose can cause stomach irritation.

And mint also helps very well against nausea, so pregnant women and those who do not tolerate any kind of transport should stock up on mint leaves. Another attractive thing about this plant is that mint does not require care and, most importantly, is very suitable for our Leningrad lands, as it loves moist soils with close groundwater. I have it growing along a reclamation ditch. Can grow in both sun and shade. Plants will be more vigorous in more fertile soils. One drawback is that it grows a lot, and so that it does not cause you a lot of trouble, immediately protect it by burying iron, plastic, or slate strips to the depth of the rhizomes. You can plant it in old metal and wooden containers, then you will be able to move it around the garden.

Mint is easily propagated by rhizome cuttings. But, as I already noted, if you want to surprise yourself with something, try sowing seeds. To obtain more green mass in the spring, as it grows, carry out heavy pruning; the mint will bush.

You need to cut mint at the beginning of flowering. Some people try to make two cuts. This is not recommended; the plant should not be weakened. Although mint is a cold-resistant plant, in past centuries, with this approach to agricultural technology in England, entire plantations froze to death.

Nadezhda Popova, summer resident

We all know that mint is a plant with small flowers and small round leaves that has a cooling taste and a fresh smell. This statement is only partially true. In fact, there are 25 species and about 100 subspecies of mint. By crossing with each other, mint species acquire new properties. The most common are Spearmint, Apple mint and Asian mint. Less known are orange (bergamot), water, corn (field), Australian, Cuban, forest and pineapple mints. Not all mints have a cooling taste; some are used only for their delicate aroma, such as apple mint.

Breeders have created several mint hybrids with unusual tastes and continue to work on creating new ones. Peppermint, widely used for mint extract and essential oil for industrial production, is actually a hybrid developed about 200 years ago. The most unusual mint is chocolate mint, which has a cooling aftertaste with a chocolate aftertaste. Any gardener can create his own mint hybrid, as this plant is very resilient, grows quickly and does not require care. Mint is easy to grow in open ground and on a windowsill. The most difficult thing is to decide what kind of mint you need and to prevent mint from growing throughout the garden.

Homeland of mint- Mediterranean. From there, this plant spread throughout the world. Almost every warm climate region has its own type of mint. The ancient Greeks explained the appearance of mint with a beautiful legend about the innocent and beautiful nymph Menthe, whom Persephone, the jealous wife of Pluto, turned into a plain-looking plant in a fit of jealousy. Pluto could not remove the spell from the nymph, but was able to give the plant a subtle, delicate, cold aroma and the ability to excite the senses.

Mint was considered herb of Aphrodite and was used as an aphrodisiac. Fresh mint, growing near every home, was the most popular aromatic substance among the Greeks. They polished tables and walls with it before feasts; Pliny wore mint wreaths to increase efficiency and sharpness of thought. In ancient Rome, mint was one of the most popular spices. Roman women chewed mint leaves with honey to combat the smell of alcohol. Unfortunately, no ancient Roman recipes for multi-component sauces with mint have survived, but one dish of the ancient Romans can be reproduced using the Vietnamese nuoc mam sauce - an almost complete analogue of the ancient Roman sauce. Cut the melon into wedges, drizzle with a mixture of honey, wine vinegar and nuoc mam sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint. Melon, watermelon or ancient Roman cucumbers are an excellent invigorating and cooling dish for hot weather.

Hippocrates advised whitening teeth with mint infusion. Ancient Jews made perfume from mint and used this spice to cook Passover lamb. The Italians infused their wine with mint. In the east, sweet drinks with ice (sorbets) were made, to which mint was added for freshness. Medieval court chefs extracted an essence from mint to color omelettes and other dishes. In South America, mint was used to make invigorating drinks. The South American name for mint literally translates to “good herb.” Bunches of mint found in the tombs of the pharaohs were used as incense.

Medicinal properties of mint were first noticed by the Assyrians. For centuries, mint has been used to treat headaches, colds and intestinal diseases. Mint stimulates the production of gastric juice and bile, which promotes digestion, so mint desserts after meals are useful for people with digestive problems. The high tannin content in mint helps relieve intestinal spasms. Mint is widely used in aromatherapy. Peppermint and peppermint oil have been proven to have relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulate the heart and calm palpitations. Peppermint lotions or a few drops of peppermint oil can treat minor wounds, soothe irritation from insect bites, and relieve arthritis symptoms. When taken internally, mint warms and cleanses the blood, which is especially useful during recovery from illness. Inhaling the aroma of mint helps to cope with heavy physical activity and seasickness. For dizziness, nausea, fainting and toxicosis, a few drops of mint oil heated in an aroma lamp help. The aroma of mint has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves irritability, improves complexion and even helps you quit smoking. Mint is an environmentally friendly insecticide. It repels mosquitoes, wasps, ants, cockroaches and even mice.

In Rus' mint was called“perekop”, “bezhava” and “dragolub”. Mint was valued for its aroma and was added to many dishes - from cabbage soup and kvass to gingerbread. Many cuisines around the world, from Indian to European, use mint as a seasoning. Mint sauces are good with meat dishes; mint liqueurs and teas go well with any dessert. Fresh mint leaves are used to garnish salads, smoothies and ice cream. Mint's closest relatives also have pleasant odors and are used in cooking. The most famous plants from the “mint family” are rosemary, valerian, basil and oregano.

In home cooking, it is best to use spearmint (Mentha crispa or spearmint). This species is closest to wild mint species and does not have an overly rich, pungent odor, such as peppermint. Mountain and southern varieties of mint are distinguished by a particularly delicate aroma and mild taste. Peppermint and other strong-flavored mints become bitter when heated. They are recommended to be used in small quantities in cold drinks. Apple mint is not cold or bitter even in large quantities, making it an ideal spice for sweet dishes. Chocolate and orange mint go very interestingly with spicy foods and are suitable for preparing traditional Asian dishes.

Any type of mint, except peppermint, is suitable for adding to tea. It is not recommended to steep mint tea for a long time, otherwise it will be bitter. The aroma and taste of mint can be preserved using water or sugar syrup. Pour boiling water over mint leaves, flowers and stems, boil for half an hour, strain and store in the refrigerator. To prepare the syrup, add sugar at the rate of 2 parts water to 1 part sugar. You can make an extract from mint leaves by infusing them into vodka.

Young leaves and tops of plants before flowering have the most delicate aroma. During flowering, mint sprigs are most fragrant and rich in essential oils. After flowering, mint becomes sharper and rougher. The taste and aroma of mint is especially strong in freshly picked leaves. Mint can be dried without access to air or sunlight, or can be frozen in ice cubes. Dried or frozen leaves are best used within six months. Fresh mint can be preserved by placing the stems in water. This bouquet will fill your home with a pleasant smell and provide you with fresh mint for a week.

Recipes with mint

mint fish
Ingredients:
1 trout carcass (trout is best suited for this dish, but any other large fish can be used),
mint leaves,
1-2 lemons,
salt.

Preparation:
Clean the fish, wash it, dry it and sprinkle it with salt inside and out. Place the fish in greased foil and stuff it with lemon slices and finely chopped fresh mint. Sprinkle mint on top too and wrap in foil.

Bake the fish in the oven for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. A few minutes before cooking, unfold the edges of the foil and remove the mint from the surface of the fish to form a golden brown crust. Remove the lemon and mint from inside. Serve the fish with fresh mint leaves and lemon.

Chocolate mint pie
Ingredients:
100 g fresh mint leaves,
50 g hazelnuts or other nuts,
50 g honey,
1 tsp vanilla (separate use),
50 g butter,
50 g dark chocolate,
2 eggs
100 g sugar,
100 g flour.

Preparation:
Grind the nuts and mint leaves, mix them in a blender with honey and half a teaspoon of vanilla. Place the resulting paste in a tightly closed glass container and refrigerate. This mixture can be stored for about a month, and the cake requires about a third of the resulting paste.

Preheat the oven and grease a baking sheet with oil. Melt the butter and chocolate, add sugar, eggs and half a spoon of vanilla. Stirring continuously, add flour. Place the dough on a baking sheet, make shaped indentations on it with a knife and use a bag to squeeze the mint mixture into the indentations. Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, cut when cool.

Mint lemonade
Ingredients:
8-10 mint leaves,
zest and juice of 2 lemons,
3 tbsp. Sahara.

Preparation:
Cook the lemon zest over low heat in 200 ml of water for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid, add sugar and lemon juice and pour this mixture over finely chopped mint leaves. Leave for 1-2 hours, then serve with ice.

Ingredients:
50 ml whiskey,
2 sugar cubes,
7-8 fresh mint leaves,
50-100 ml sparkling mineral water,
ice.

Preparation:
Crush the mint with sugar, put it in a glass of whiskey, stir thoroughly from top to bottom and top up with mineral water. Serve the juleb with a straw.

MINT– an amazing spicy-aromatic herb. The name mint comes from ancient Greek mythology, from the name of the nymph Menta (the personification of reason), which the gods turned into a plant. Mint has a wide range of beneficial and healing properties. Decoctions, infusions, and medicinal ointments are prepared from fresh and dried plants, which are subsequently used in the treatment of ailments. Valuable essential oil is extracted from fresh mint. It, like the juice of fresh leaves, is used in folk medicine, perfumery, and cosmetology. Mint is widely used in cooking, as it is not only healthy, but also tasty. Mint - fresh or dried - is most often used to flavor drinks. There are many recipes for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in which mint is the main ingredient: mint tea, mint liqueur, kvass with mint. Mint greens are added to the sauce. Fresh herbs go well with some types of fish, so they are either added to the fish marinade, baked with herbs, or the finished dish is decorated with mint. The mint flavor suits vegetable dishes. To do this, just pour a sauce of yogurt and chopped mint over the finished dish. Place the leaves in salads, add them when preparing meat, vegetables, and cocktails. Sweet dishes will acquire a unique taste and aroma with mint. Mint is used to normalize the digestive system. It is an excellent choleretic agent. It is impossible not to note the cooling properties of mint. This effect is used in the treatment of sore throat and pharyngitis. Mint will help with a runny nose and fever. Fresh or dry leaves of the plant are used for ailments of the genitourinary system and are used in the treatment of the respiratory system. An infusion or decoction of it has the most positive effect on the functioning of the circulatory system, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart, and normalizes blood pressure. Use aromatic herbs as a refresher, add to tea for a pleasant taste - all this should be done without excess. There are several types of mint. Many types of mint are of hybrid origin. The world of mints is very beautiful and diverse. You should definitely have it in your garden. We will be happy to tell you about some types of mint and new selections.

Spearmint (Mint Crisp)– mint with wrinkled, curly, aromatic leaves. Widely used in cooking as a spice. Its use is similar to peppermint. Adding a few mint leaves to other spices enhances and refines their taste and smell. Mint leaves of this species are taken internally as a carminative, externally for rubbing, ointments and plasters as an analgesic. It is suitable for aromatic baths. Dry leaves of spearmint have a pleasantly aromatic smell and spicy taste. The oil has the appearance of a transparent, colorless or yellowish liquid and has a peculiar aromatic odor and a spicy, bitter taste. Winters well.

Spearmint Morocco– It is popularly known as Arabic mint. Its large, elongated, rounded leaves, wrinkled to the touch, with teeth along the edges, are very elegant and therefore are often used to decorate dishes. This is one of the best varieties of mint for making cold soft and hot drinks. This variety is also known for the famous Moroccan tea, which is refreshing and thirst-quenching. We recommend trying to brew tea with leaves of this mint variety.

Spearmint Yakima– strong mint taste. Contains essential oil used to flavor chewing gum.

Peppermint Granada (Orange Mint)– mint with a refreshing, citrus aroma, ideal for tea blends and desserts.

Peppermint Multimenta– a plant with a high menthol content and a strong tea aroma.

Peppermint white Swiss– an attractive mint variety with a refreshing soft citrus aroma. Very popular in Switzerland.

Peppermint Chocolate- an interesting variety with a chocolate aroma. Among the wide variety, it is chocolate mint that seems exotic because of its name. The leaves of this mint are green with a purple tint and a strong chocolate aroma. It grows well near bodies of water. Tolerates partial shade easily. Tolerant to light frosts. Many gardeners grow chocolate mint for its tasty and aromatic leaves. But if the bush is allowed to bloom, it will be very decorative. As a ground cover plant, mint can be grown in a perennial flower garden. Chocolate mint is resistant to diseases and pests. You can add mint leaves to cookies, cakes, puddings, ice cream, and sauces everywhere. Mint will be an excellent flavoring agent.

We offer you recipes for dishes with mint.

NON-ALCOHOLIC MOJITO

INGREDIENTS

*Cane sugar

*Sparkling water

*Lemon or lime

PREPARATION METHOD

Wash the mint leaves, dry them, add sugar and crush. Survive the juice of half a lemon. Add a couple of lemon slices with zest to the mortar and grind.

Place everything from the mortar into a jug, add lemon juice and add water. Let it sit for a little while. Add ice cubes. Decorate the glass with sugar, pour the drink, garnish with slices of lime or lemon.

SALAD WITH MINT “VITAMIN”

INGREDIENTS

*Orange – 1 pc.

*Apricots – 100 gr.

*Raisins – 50 gr.

*Nuts – 50 gr.

*Mint – 5 sprigs

*Natural yoghurt

PREPARATION METHOD

Peel the orange. Wash dried apricots and raisins and soak in water. Then cut the orange and dried apricots into several pieces. Chop the mint. Combine all salad ingredients and mix.

To make the dressing, combine yogurt with honey and stir.

Place all the ingredients in a salad bowl and pour over the dressing. Garnish with a mint leaf.

FRESH CUCUMBER AND MINT PUREE SOUP

INGREDIENTS

*Fresh peeled cucumber – 4 pcs.

*Mint – 7 leaves

*Greens (dill, parsley) – 1 bunch

*Lemon juice – 2 tbsp. spoons

*Salt, sugar to taste

PREPARATION METHOD

Chop the mint and herbs, chop the cucumbers, add lemon juice, sugar, salt and a small amount of water. Beat in a blender. Be sure to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

For those who like Gazpacho and pureed soups, we highly recommend it.

BAKED LAMB WITH MINT

INGREDIENTS

*Lamb – 500 gr.

*Mint – 1 bunch

*Dried rosemary – a pinch

*Garlic – 2 cloves

*Olive oil – 3 tablespoons

PREPARATION METHOD

Cut the lamb into pieces. In a bowl, mix finely chopped mint, squeezed garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Roll the pieces of meat well in a mixture of oil and mint. Salt and pepper. Place the meat on foil, seal the edges of the foil and place in a preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour at 180 degrees. Then open the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes to brown the meat.

FISH WITH MINT SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

*Fish fillet – 500 gr.

*Vegetable broth - ½ cup

*Lemon – 1 pc.

*Garlic – 3 cloves

*Fresh mint - bunch

*Parsley – 1 bunch

*Olive oil - ½ cup

*Mustard – 1 teaspoon

PREPARATION METHOD

Sprinkle fish fillets with lemon juice and bake (20-25 minutes).

For the sauce, blend mint and parsley (without stems), lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, vegetable broth and mustard in a blender, add salt and pepper. Serve fish with sauce.

Bon appetit

Your Garden Center

Mint is considered an extraordinary plant with a strong aroma. It belongs to the Yasnotkov family. Mint was named after the Greek nymph Minta, who ruled on Mount Mente in the city of Elis. Minta fell in love with the god of the kingdom of the dead, Hades, for which she was turned by his wife into a fragrant plant, which was called mint.

In other languages, mint is called:

• Mentha spicata - Latin;
• Gune Minze, Ahrige Minze, Rohmische Minze, Waldminze - German;
• spearmint - English;
• menthe verte - French.

This variety of mint has a very strong taste and aroma.

Appearance

Different types of mint may have external differences. However, overall they still have more similarities.

Mint is a perennial plant and has a branching creeping rhizome. The stem is straight, branching, the shoots spread in a horizontal direction. The length of the stem generally reaches half a meter.

The leaves have short petioles, are arranged crosswise opposite each other, and may be partially covered with hairs. They have an elongated shape, tapering from the base to the apex, which ends with a point. The edges of the leaves are serrated.

The flowers are painted in lilac-red tones and accumulate in whorls. Lush inflorescences form in the upper part of the shoot. The flowers themselves are small in size.

The cups contain mint fruits. The flowering period ranges from mid-summer (July) to autumn.

Mint leaves are covered with hairs and the edges of the leaves are jagged.

Mint blooms with small lilac or white flowers

Species

There are over 25 species in the mint genus. There are also approximately ten hybrids of various species. The uniqueness of mint is that its different types have completely different metabolite contents. Therefore, each type smells differently, and essential oils, depending on this, differ significantly in composition.

The most famous type of mint is peppermint (Mentha piperita). It is grown both in gardens and on an industrial scale. Most surprisingly, peppermint is a hybrid of watermint (Mentha aquatic) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).

All species differ in plant height and leaf length. For example, the leaves of pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) can reach a length of only 1 cm. And the leaves of long-leaved mint (Mentha longifolia), as is clear from the name of the species, can reach 15 cm in length.

Longleaf or forest mint leaves reach about 15 centimeters in length

In general, the following features of different types of mint can be identified:

• English green(Mentha spicata v., in German - Grüne Minze, Ahrige Minze, Waldminze, in English - spearmint, in French - menthe verte): has smooth, sometimes slightly curling, elongated leaves. Their color is rich green, sometimes in dark shades. All veins on the leaves are clearly visible to the eye. Fresh mint is used in making sauces and jellies. It is an ideal spice for lamb, minced meat, vegetable and pea dishes.

English green mint is used in cooking, especially in confectionery

• Greek(Mentha species Dionysos): has a fresh, pleasant aroma. The leaves are bright green, smooth, with serrated edges. The veins on them are clearly visible. The maximum height of the plant is 0.8 m, the minimum is 0.3 m. The flowers are painted in bright purple tones. This type of spice is ideal in combination with garlic. Yogurt sauces for meat or vegetable dishes typical of Greek cuisine are often prepared with this mint.

Greek mint is added to sauces and yogurts

• English peppercorn(Mentha x piperita 'Mitcham'): One of the most diverse species. It is a perennial plant whose stems have a red tint. The leaves are dark green, smooth, and sit on short petioles. It has a sharp spicy taste, so it is used to flavor drinks, salads, desserts, and added as a spice to soup or meat. This mint makes especially delicious teas.

English peppermint goes well with tea

• Pepper "Nana"(Mentha x piperita var. piperita "Nana"): similar in aroma to caraway. The flowers are painted in purple tones and reach a height of half a meter. The leaves are lighter in color compared to other species.

Tea with mint "Nana" will delight you with its aroma

• Orange(Mentha x piperita var. citrata “Orange”): a species with a pronounced citrus aroma and low menthol content. The leaves are round in shape and light green with a slight red tint. Used in making desserts or fruit cocktails.

Orange mint has a distinct citrus flavor.

• Lemon(Mentha x piperita var. citrata "Lemon"): Has a sour lemon aroma. Like the previous type, it is used in cocktails and desserts.

Lemon balm has a pleasant lemony sourness.

• Spiked(Mentha spicata, in English - Spearmint): similar in appearance to the well-known peppermint, only it has a non-standard taste of menthol chewing gum. Tolerates cold well.

Spearmint is rich in menthol and has a characteristic menthol flavor

• Moroccan(Mentha spicata var. crispa): used in the preparation of the famous Moroccan refreshing tea. It has a sweetish smell with pleasant refreshing notes. Used in desserts and sauces. Its leaves have a light green tint, oval shape and a pointed tip.

Moroccan mint - sweet and refreshing, with a mild flavor

• Water(Mentha aquatic): A wild variety of mint. The leaves have teeth along the edges and are oval in shape.

Watermint is a moisture-loving perennial plant.

• Curly(Mentha aquatic var. crispa): its leaves have a wavy shape and a rich green color, it grows in large numbers. It looks like thistle in appearance, and its smell resembles something between camphor and caraway, so it goes well with vegetable and meat dishes.

Curly mint has a tart, spicy taste and goes great with meat dishes.

• Basil(Mentha species "Basilmint"): has a spicy aroma and is often added to vegetable salads, especially with tomatoes. The flowers are bright purple, the leaves are green with a red tint. The stem is also red.

Basil mint has a red stem and is added to salads.

• "Mentuccia"(Mentha species "Mentuccia"): its leaves are round in shape and small in size. Grows mainly in Italy. The flowers are bright purple. This type is used in the preparation of salads, as well as legumes and vegetable dishes. Its aroma is similar to that of cumin.

Mentuccia mint mainly grows in Italy and is actively used for preparing main courses and side dishes.

• Pineapple(Mentha suaveolens "Variegata"): its leaves are slightly drooping and have a white edge. The plant is short, the flowers are white and pale pink. The leaves have a tart flavor, but are not too similar to pineapple. This mint is used in drinks, salads, and sauces.

Pineapple mint has a characteristic two-colored leaf color.

• Mountain(Calamintha officinalis): the flowers are painted in bright purple tones, the stem has four sides, and the leaves have clearly cut veins. Combines the standard mint aroma with camphor notes.

Mountain mint has a minty flavor and beautiful lilac flowers.

• Roman(Calamintha sp.): Known as an Italian spice. Its leaves are oval-shaped, slightly widening towards the bottom. Grows wild.

Roman mint is widely used in Italy as a flavoring for drinks, desserts and other dishes.

• Korean(Agastache rugosa): Grown in North Asian regions. The leaves are pleasant and delicate to the touch, the flowers are bright purple. Outwardly similar to hyssop, it has a pronounced aroma.

Korean mint grows primarily in the Mediterranean and has a rich menthol flavor.

Where does it grow?

Mint is grown not only for personal purposes, but also on an industrial scale. It is cultivated in many countries around the world. Perennial varieties are grown at southern latitudes. In cold and temperate climates they are annual.

At the end of the 19th century, mint began to be cultivated in Russia, where it came from English breeders. Mint plantations appeared closer to the middle of the 20th century. Very often the plant can be found in the central zone of the country, but it grows throughout the entire territory of the state. Many species are found in Ukraine and Belarus, the Baltic countries.

Since mint loves sunlight, the best varieties are bred in the southern territories. Mint prefers moist, fertile soil, without sand.

It is most productively grown in the Caucasus, Stavropol Territory, and Crimea. Some species are found in Siberia and the Far Eastern territories.

Mint can grow in both garden and wild conditions. Wild mint grows on the banks of rivers and lakes, near swamps, in meadows and fields with a sufficient level of humidity.

Blank

Mint is quite popular as a spice due to its pleasant, refreshing smell.

• In order to obtain the spice, mint leaves are dried immediately after collection in a dark place where sunlight does not reach. This allows you to preserve its unique aroma and color.
• After this, the leaves are crushed and hermetically packaged.
• It is better to store it in a place protected from light and in a tightly closed container so that the spice will delight you with its aroma for a long time.

It is best to hang mint to dry in a room with good air circulation.

How and where to choose a spice?

It’s best when you make the spice from mint yourself, because the technology here is not at all complicated.

But if you buy it, then consider the following factors:

• spice packaging should be opaque so as not to allow sunlight to pass through;
• the packaging must be sealed. If you notice that it is opened or torn, then it is better to refuse such a purchase;
• It's hard to make sure that the correct storage conditions were met, but at least pay attention to how the spice is stored in the store.

If you see that crushed and dried mint is stored in a transparent bag in a bright room where the sun's rays pass in large quantities, then this spice will not be very fragrant. Most likely, it will even have a faded color. Remember that under the right preparation conditions, the spice will remain as green as fresh mint. Only slight loss of color is acceptable.

Dry mint should be green

If you purchased mint in a sealed and dense package, but it did not please you with either the smell or the color, then the manufacturer clearly cheated in the preparation. It is better to choose a product from another manufacturer in the future.

Peculiarities

It is believed that the most famous representative of the genus, peppermint, historically appeared in England. Which is not surprising, because mint is added to many dishes there. Its leaves have a pungent taste. But the plant should not be used as feed for livestock at all. With a large amount of mint, the hay spoils and its nutritional value drops sharply. Milk yield will immediately decrease, and milk will curdle poorly with such feeding.

It is believed that mint has the properties of a strong aphrodisiac, so in Ancient Greece it was forbidden to serve dishes with the addition of this spice to soldiers.

Characteristics

Mint has the following characteristics:

• grows not only in the wild, but also cultivated by gardeners;
• is an official medicinal plant;
• grows almost throughout the entire territory of Russia;
• grown on an industrial scale;
• has a high content of essential oils, especially in inflorescences;
• is a large honey plant.

Not everyone knows that mint also makes delicious honey. But, unfortunately, not much of the finished product comes from this plant.

Peppermint in the wild has a strong and not very pleasant smell.

Mint honey is very tasty and healthy

Nutritional value and calorie content

Mint has the following nutritional values:

You can learn more about mint by watching the video from the program “1000 and One Spice of Scheherazade”

Chemical composition

Mint is rich in mineral content. The most common type, peppermint, has the following components in its chemical composition:

Among the main active ingredients:

• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• bitter and tannins;
• menthol (approximately 60%, depending on the variety).

Hot or cold drinks with mint have a pleasant taste and refreshing effect.

Useful properties

The list of beneficial properties of mint is quite extensive:

• used in folk and traditional medicine;
• is included in many medicines;
• is a remedy that reduces pain and spasms;
• removes excess fluid from the body;
• known for its choleretic effect;
• its smell saves you from nausea;
• calms the nervous system;
• gives an anti-inflammatory effect;
• helps for hair growth;
• neutralizes bad breath;
• reduces appetite due to the menthol contained in it;
• improves brain function;
• has a sobering effect;
• tones and strengthens the human body;
• used to cleanse the skin.

Medicinal infusions, decoctions, tinctures of water and alcohol are made from mint

Thanks to its taste and smell, mint is an excellent mouth freshener that also kills harmful bacteria. Mint has been used as a sedative for a long time; it is not for nothing that aromatic herbal teas with it have gained such great popularity and are recommended for consumption at night. Depending on its use, mint can simultaneously cool and warm the body.

Mint will help freshen your breath

You can learn even more about the beneficial properties of mint from the following video of the “Live Healthy” program.

Harm

The following negative consequences are possible when consuming mint:

• heartburn in case of overdose;
• loss of sensitivity to plant components.

If you overdose on mint, you can easily lose sensitivity to menthol and other beneficial components of the plant. For example, if you constantly drink mint tea in large quantities against insomnia, then over time it will cease to have an effect.

Contraindications

Mint should not be consumed in the following cases:

• for allergic reactions;
• in the presence of varicose veins;
• if you have infertility or problems conceiving a child;
• with increased drowsiness;
• with a tendency to heartburn;
• at low pressure (mint will lower it even more);
• in childhood.

It is better for children to consume mint with the permission of a doctor, since there is still no consensus on the age at which it can be included in the diet. It is also better for pregnant women to consult a specialist about whether and in what quantities they can consume mint. As for hypotension, the prohibition in this case is not categorical. Mint is good for you in small amounts, but you just shouldn’t overuse it.

Infusion

Unlike peppermint tincture, you cannot find it in pharmacies, since common mint, with all its variety of beneficial properties, is inferior to peppermint in this regard, but is excellent for the treatment of certain diseases.

But you can prepare an infusion of common mint and use it for diseases of the gallbladder or gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the infusion, mint leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water, allowed to steep in a warm place for 15 minutes, and then taken a tablespoon once every three hours.

Mint infusion will help cope with mental fatigue

Oil

Mint is a real storehouse of essential oils. They are found in large quantities in mint flowers and leaves. The benefits of essential oil are simply invaluable.

Peppermint oil helps tone the nervous system and restore itself. Its smell perfectly invigorates and activates mental activity. Peppermint oil is used for colds and loss of voice, providing a soothing effect. This is an excellent antispasmodic for blood vessels. In addition, the essential oil is widely used in preparations for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and also has an analgesic effect.

It is effective to inhale the aroma of mint oil when experiencing motion sickness or simply during an attack of nausea.

In aromatherapy, oil is also used to disinfect a room. However, you should not inhale it before bed. Due to the invigorating effect, it will be quite difficult to fall asleep later.

Essential peppermint oil has been proven to help with painful menstruation and promote lactation.

Peppermint essential oil is used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes and even in cooking.

Juice

Mint juice is also a storehouse of vitamins. It is especially good for the gastrointestinal tract, but also helps restore strength and reduce pain. Very often, mint juice is added to baked goods and various drinks.

You can get mint juice even at home:

• To do this, fresh mint leaves must be thoroughly washed and chopped in a blender or meat grinder.
• Then the leaves must be poured with boiling water, with 30 ml of water per 100 g of leaves.
• The leaves are infused for several hours, after which the liquid is filtered.
• It must be heated and brought to a boil, and then poured into bottles, sterilized and sealed.

You can make delicious mint ice from pre-prepared mint juice.

Application

In cooking

Probably almost everyone loves mint tea. We have dedicated an entire article to this tasty, effective and healthy combination. Get some great recipes to try.

In world cuisine, mint is a frequently found ingredient.

Its culinary use applies to many areas:

• mint is a fundamental component of oriental cuisine;
• fresh mint leaves are often used to decorate desserts and other dishes;
• mint is used in the food industry as a natural dye;
• menthol and mint oil are often used to flavor food and drinks;
• peppermint oil is actively used in sweet baked goods;
• fresh mint leaves are added to the meat to add piquancy;
• mint is added to drinks, especially soft drinks;
• mint can be added to salads, fish dishes and vegetable soups;
• mint increases the shelf life of products.

Fresh mint leaves wither quickly, so they must be stored in the cold. But if you add mint to a dish during the cooking process, it will immediately lose all its refreshing properties, so it must be added when serving the dish.

The refreshing effect of menthol contained in the plant is used in the production of chewing gum and sweets, as well as soft drinks. There's nothing better than homemade lemonade with a splash of fresh mint.

When the plant is used in sauces, they acquire piquancy and a pleasant aftertaste. Mint goes well with almost all foods: fruits, vegetables, meat, and desserts. Surely everyone knows the famous mint gingerbread: this crushed herb is added to the dough for them.

Mint will help you feel the spring freshness of young vegetables, and this salad contains only 110 kcal

Mint or mint sauce will add tenderness and fresh taste to the meat.

You can use mint to make an unusual, refreshing mint jam.

To make pickles and home-canned food last longer, mint leaves are also added to them. This especially affects kvass, which not only acquires an interesting taste, but also lasts much longer in the refrigerator.

In Armenian cuisine, mint is even added to certain types of cheese, and in Central Asia it is used to flavor meat dishes.

It is not necessary to use fresh mint; when dried, it also takes its rightful place among spice components.

Alcoholic drinks are also flavored with mint.

Surely everyone knows about the famous Mojito cocktail, which immediately loses all its freshness without mint.

You can make wonderful lemonade using the following recipe:

• you need several large lemons and 2 large grapefruits, 2.5 liters of drinking water, 2 cups of sugar and about 8 mint leaves;
• lemons are thoroughly washed, cut into pieces and crushed in a blender;
• the syrup is boiled: two glasses of drinking water are boiled with one and a half glasses of sugar until it is completely dissolved;
• the prepared lemon puree is poured with the amount of water indicated above;
• the resulting syrup is added to the drink;
• The drink should stand in the refrigerator for 10 hours;
• after this time, the drink is filtered, grapefruit juice is added to it;
• if desired, you can add half a glass of sugar or more;
• the resulting lemonade is poured into a jug and mint leaves are added to it.

Mint dessert

You can also make a stunningly delicious dessert from mint itself. To do this:

• take a bunch of mint, 1 egg white, 75 g of sugar and the same amount of chocolate;
• the mint must be washed, dried and sorted: leave the larger leaves, the smaller ones can be put aside;
• The egg whites are beaten, and the prepared sugar is poured onto a flat plate;
• mint leaves are dipped first in egg white and then in sugar;
• the leaves are laid out on a separate plate or tray, covered with napkins, and dry within 24 hours;
• chocolate is melted in the microwave;
• the candied leaves must be dipped halfway in melted chocolate and placed on a separate plate;
• the dessert is put away in the cold for an hour.

Mint and chocolate - the perfect combination

In medicine

Peppermint tincture is often used in medicine. It can be very effective due to the presence of a large number of medicinal properties.

Mint is generally recognized as a medicinal plant. It is included in many herbal preparations because it has a wide range of medicinal properties.

Most often it is used:

• to calm the nervous system;
• to eliminate rashes and skin irritations;
• as a choleretic agent;
• to lower pressure;
• for nausea;
• to dilate blood vessels;
• for gastrointestinal diseases;
• when coughing;
• to restore potency;
• in case of poisoning;
• as a cold remedy;
• for intestinal disorders;
• for the treatment of heart diseases;
• to reduce pain.

Mint is used to remove stones from the gallbladder. It is actively used both internally and externally. Since time immemorial, the leaves or oil of the plant have been used in folk medicine to relieve headaches. Due to its high menthol content, mint helps reduce pain during menstruation in women. For chronic liver diseases, mint infusions are also useful.

Very often, mint is used to treat toothache or oral diseases. It has a disinfectant effect and destroys harmful microorganisms, so it is useful to rinse your mouth with mint infusions.

During pregnancy, mint will calm you down, relieve anxiety and alleviate toxicosis.

Essential oils and extracts are useful for colds. You can do inhalations to soften the cough. In addition, it helps with nasal congestion.

In cosmetology

Due to its antiseptic effect, mint can effectively combat rashes or skin irritations. Manufacturers of cosmetics, knowing about the benefits of the plant, actively use mint extracts in their products.

It is known that the plant helps to tone the skin, but at the same time soothe it and reduce irritation to a minimum. Mint works effectively as part of oily skin care products, providing a drying effect and tightening pores. The herb is also used for rejuvenation, as it helps smooth the skin and cleanse it of toxins. Mint infusion applied to the skin of the face can easily replace some expensive nourishing cream.

The plant is used in the production of shampoos and hair masks, as mint promotes rapid hair growth by stimulating blood circulation, and also prevents dandruff and cares for the scalp.

Mint mask will refresh, rejuvenate and tighten the skin

When losing weight

Mint is actively used in the difficult fight against extra pounds. It is known that the smell and taste of mint significantly reduces appetite, due to the high content of menthol in the plant. Peppermint tea helps reduce hunger and also has a general healing effect.

You can also periodically inhale the aroma of mint, curbing your appetite and thereby reducing your daily calorie intake. Breathing peppermint essential oil every few hours throughout the day can show impressive results within a week. When combined with green tea, mint will also help cleanse the body of toxins.

To prepare a fragrant mint drink for weight loss, take several leaves of fresh or dried mint and pour a glass of boiling water over them. The broth is infused for 15 minutes. Then it is filtered and drunk little by little throughout the day. This will help you get rid of unhealthy snacks between meals.

In addition, mint rids the body of toxins that lead to the formation of cellulite. If you add ginger to tea, you can significantly speed up your metabolism. However, you should be careful that excessive consumption of mint tea, and even in combination with ginger, does not lead to heartburn and stomach irritation.

In everyday life

The household use of mint is practically unlimited in some areas. It is actively used:

• for disease prevention;
• for the treatment of diseases;
• as a decoration for dishes;
• as a spice or seasoning;
• in aromatherapy;
• cosmetics;
• in perfumery.

Mint is a unique plant that is effective not only in medicine, but also in other areas of human life. The pleasant scent is often used in some perfume compositions, adding refreshing and invigorating notes to them.

Varieties

Breeders have made great progress in breeding various varieties of mint. Today there are a large number of them not only in Russia, but also abroad. At the same time, the varieties do not have a specific affiliation to the species, so it can be assumed that not only the well-known peppermint is the basis for breeding for many varieties.

There are varieties that were obtained back in the Soviet years. However, to this day they do not lose their importance. These include:

• “Krasnodarskaya-2”: the height of plants of this variety exceeds a meter, the menthol content in them is below 50%;
• “Prilukskaya-6”: the variety was bred quite a long time ago. Mint reaches a height of one meter and contains approximately 50% menthol. It takes root better in warm regions, as it does not tolerate cold well;
• “Kubanskaya-6”: plants reach a height of up to a meter, the menthol content in them is higher than in previous varieties, but this mint does not tolerate cold;
• “Medicinal-4”: already based on the name, it has medicinal properties. It can reach a height of more than a meter, and the menthol content in mint is close to 60%;
• “Riddle”: the variety was bred in Ukraine. It has a high menthol content, slightly below 65%;
• “Medichka”: in this variety the menthol content reaches 67%. This mint tolerates winter much better than previous varieties.

There are many foreign varieties of mint, bred in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and other European countries.

Growing

Growing mint is not that difficult, as it does not require much care. You need to choose those varieties that are most suitable for the intended climate in which the mint will be grown. There are varieties that do not tolerate cold well, and this must be taken into account. It is advisable to provide maximum sunny color and plant the plant somewhere in an open area.

You can grow mint at home, in a flower pot. It takes root well, but requires feeding. It is better to place it on a window where a lot of light enters.

You can easily grow mint in a pot

To learn how to grow mint at home on a windowsill, watch the following video.

The soil should be moist, without sandy impurities. Mint is propagated by cuttings or seeds. You can sow it directly into the ground. Propagation by cuttings is often used in order to preserve all the beneficial properties of the variety.

Mint is planted either in mid-spring or in the second half of summer, closer to August. It grows at a high speed, so it is better to somehow protect it from other plants so that it does not survive them.

The plant needs to be fertilized periodically, but not too often. Watering needs to be moderate so that the water does not stagnate. But at the same time, the soil should not be constantly dry.

Mint is susceptible to pest attack, like many other garden plants. Treatment with harmful chemicals is prohibited; in this case, mint will lose its beneficial properties and become unsuitable for consumption. Therefore, you should immediately plant it away from vegetables or plants that are often visited by garden pests.

When planting, you need to maintain a certain distance between plants - usually at least 0.3 m. Between the rows you can leave a larger distance - 0.4 m. At least several times during the summer, the beds must be loosened and cleared of weeds as often as possible.

Watch the following video of the program “6 acres” - you will learn a lot of interesting things about the cultivation and properties of mint.

• Our ancestors believed that regular consumption of mint led to prolongation of life, so the plant was highly revered and actively cultivated.
• It has been proven that mint was mentioned in the Bible, and it was also found in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Many other historical references boil down to the fact that it was known to man even before our era.
• There is a popular belief that a mint leaf in your wallet will attract wealth.
• Dream books say that if you dream of mint, then this means future fun and eventful events.
• It is believed that mint originated from Mediterranean countries, hence the legend of the beautiful nymph Minta. However, so far there is no justification for this, since the British argue with this version.
• Many centuries ago, mint leaves and honey were used to fight off the smell of alcohol.
• It was believed that if you stuff a pillow with mint leaves, you will only have good dreams.
• In Jerusalem, mint perfume was once made and the plant was also added as a seasoning to lamb dishes.
• In Asian countries, not a single soft drink was complete without mint. And not only cooling, because mint was even added to milk teas.
• Hippocrates spoke about the beneficial properties of mint. He himself used mint infusions to whiten his teeth.
• In Italy, mint was once added to wine. Thus, the drink was refreshing and did not leave an alcoholic aftertaste.
• In Ancient Rome, mint was considered an activator of mental activity, so wreaths were woven from the stems and leaves, which the Romans put on their heads.
• The Slavs even added mint to cabbage soup. And traditional Russian mint kvass perfectly quenched thirst in hot weather and had a long shelf life.

Mint is varied. Even if there is only one mint in the store called Mentha, this does not mean that you will buy the same type. Although the uncertainty is annoying. This year the range has expanded to include mint, Swiss mint, banana and orange mint. Let's figure out what kind of animals they are.

According to the principle “what a whim it gets into my head” 😉 I am in search of real mint.

The fact is that there are few signs of this “realness”. It should have a strong aroma that can withstand slight heat treatment. I wrote about my ordeals when selecting ingredients for. And I still want to get it Persian style.

There is one more sign. From the very depths of centuries - from my childhood, in which the perfect mint grew. Apart from the color and rounded leaves, little remained in my memory. Another taste. That’s why I chew all the new mints 😆 I haven’t chewed anything similar yet.

And although I am almost sure that these two characteristics will never come together in one mint variety, the search continues.

There are different types of mint, but I'll focus on four.

Types of mint

1. Meadow mint, or field mint ( Mentha arvensis). Contains menthol. Strong mint flavor with a hint of bitterness.
2. Spearmint ( Mentha spicata). Contains menthol in negligible quantities. The chill is from the carvone. Soft sweetish taste, delicate lily of the valley scent with a mint note.
3. Aquatic mint ( Mentha aquatica). The main component of essential oil is again carvone. Intense taste reminiscent of peppermint. It scares away rats and mice, which already scares me 😏
4. Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita). Hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Contains menthol. Strong taste, strong smell.

The local market is not pleased with the variety of mint species. But not this year. There are 3 varieties with a brief description of the taste and use in cooking.

Latin name: Mentha arvensis Banana.
Taste: Mint flavor and banana aftertaste.
Height: 30–45 cm.
Uses: tea, ice cream, drinks, fruit salads.

Latin name: Mentha x piperita Swiss.
Flavor: Peppermint with intense flavor and aroma.
Height: 30–45 cm.
Use: sweet dishes, drinks, tea, and also in cold soups, for example.

Latin name: Mentha x piperita citrata.
Other names: Bergamot mint, Eau de cologne mint.
Flavor: Peppermint with a citrus flavor, more intense than average.
Height: 30–45 cm.
Uses: fruit salads, salad dressings, sauces, especially for fish dishes, ice cream, desserts, drinks, tea.

Besides cooking, any mint can be used for potpourri, flavoring and medicinal purposes.