Uses of mint

Heather Little-White, PhD, Contributor

Mint has been around for ages and is known for its medicinal and culinary uses. Mint produces valuable oils, and members of the mint family include basil, lemon balm, marjoram, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint and thyme.

Peppermint and spearmint can be described as a cross between pepper and menthol, with peppermint being stronger and spearmint a little cooler and sweeter. Other plants of the menthe family are apple mint, orange mint, curly mint and Corsican mint.

History

Historically, mint has been a part of Greek mythology and is a symbol of hospitality and wisdom. Ancient Greeks and Romans rubbed their tables with mint before their guests arrived, and was placed in the house as a welcoming symbol. The British have come to enjoy mint brought to them by the Romans, and it was the pilgrims who took mint aboard the Mayflower to the United States.

Health benefits

Mint is appreciated for its health benefits and it is used in different forms for relief. The oil of the peppermint is known to relieve spasms associated with the stomach, relaxing the muscles and for relieving gas. The compound, perillyl alcohol, in peppermint is reported to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Persons suffering from hay fever or allergies can get relief from the peppermint because of the antioxidant, rosmarinic acid.

As part of your backyard gardening, mint should be readily available. Fresh mint is superior in flavour compared to dried leaves. Fresh mint should be free from black spots or yellowing. Store fresh mint by wrapping it in damp paper towel and place in a loosely closed plastic bag and store in your refrigerator. Store dried mint in tightly sealed glass bottles in a cool, dry, dark place.

Culinary uses

Mint can add so much to the preparation of meals and can be used in several ways.

Salads and marinade vegetables can be enhanced with a dash of mint.

To make a version of Mojito (a popular Cuban drink), combine one cup chopped fresh mint leaves, the juice of two limes and 1/4 cup cane juice and add two quarts of sparkling water.

To jazz up eggplants, chop them to make 2 cups, add 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves, 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, one crushed clove of garlic and 1/4 cup cayenne pepper.

Mint is refreshing with any fruit salad.

When mint is added to soups, they take on the freshness of the mint.

Safety issues

One may have an allergic reaction to mint but this is very rare. In some instances, mint is sprayed with pesticides so some people opt for organically grown mint.

For a difference in your culinary creations, experiment with mint. It will also reduce the dependence on sodium products to flavour your foods - a factor that is critical in hypertensive management.