Monday 28 July 2014

Mint (Mentha) Leaf


 Mint
 
  
Mentha also known as mint, from Greek míntha, is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae. a family of flowering plants.

Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. There are approximately 25 species of the Mentha group, including peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, pennyroyal, forest mint and apple mint. All of the mint species are strongly scented herbaceous plants that, when crushed they release concentrated oils.

A few months ago, I decided to surround my kitchen with culinary herbs. Mint was one of my choices for many reasons. firstly, there are varying uses to this amazing plant as written below. It was so easy to grow and has flourished before my very eyes. Grow it, you will be amazed how fast this grows. The aroma is unmistakably fresh.

                           Minty, amazing greens, flourish and bloom.

Culinary uses
Chop mint and add to meat balls, fish, stews, chicken  salads for freshness

Teas
Mint teas have been used for many years. They also have digestive health benefits. Peppermint, spearmint and rosemary mints are the most common mints used in teas. Peppermint, in particular, has been used to soothe gastrointestinal upset and stimulate digestion.

Flavour
Many types of mints are used in the kitchen to add flavor and spice to dishes, desserts and beverages. Peppermint and spearmint are used most often with desserts and beverages

Mojito: ( picture below) A cocktail that consist of five ingredients white rum, sugar/can juice, lime juice, sparkling water and almighty mint. A mojito is incomplete without mint.



More uses:

Breath Freshner
Chew after meals or crush and add to toothpaste due to they strong antibacterial and antiviral properties

Cosmetic Uses
Mint leaves have been used in homemade cosmetics from baths and herbal foot soaks to clean and invigorate the skin. Do however make sure you are not prone to reactions

Gift it stylishly using a white or pink ceramic pot. It is beautiful and aromatic. Grow it in your kitchen or bathroom for its freshness...why not?

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