What’s Below:

About Mint

Cooking & Storage

Recipes

ABOUT Mint

Mint is a sweetly fragrant and tender yet dominant herb, and although spearmint and peppermint are its most well known types there are so many more (including orange, chocolate, and apple scented types!). This herb has multiple points of origin across the Mediterranean, specifically Egypt where it was first recorded being cultivated over 2,000 years ago. From there it’s spread across Southwest Asia, Australia, and North America in both savory and sweet foods.

COOKING & STORAGE

• Edible parts: Leaves

• Medicine and Nutrients: Mint has been known to be good for soothing digestion issues, sleep issues, and stress-related symptoms. The leaves are also known to support the management of herpes simplex and relieve menstrual cramps, among tons of other medicinal benefits.

• Storage: Mint can be stored by rinsing, and then wrapping them in a dampened paper towel either as is or placed in a resealable bag. This will keep the mint fresh and wilt-free for about a week.

Ways to Prepare 

• RAW: Mint tastes great in fresh salads, both savory and sweet. Although the most popular combinations of fresh mint is with chocolate or strawberries, it also tastes great with melons, paired with legumes, and in savory dips or herbal marinades. You can also freeze mint in ice cubes to add to your favorite drinks and/or as a way to preserve them.

• COOKED: Mint can be brewed as a tea, as well as infused in simple syrups or honey for sweetening drinks or cakes. It can also add some brightness to chicken and fish.

RECIPES

• Pomegranate Mint Quinoa Salad (The Matbakh)

• Chicken Fatteh (Every Little Crumb)

• Strawberry Mint Lemonade (Nourished Palate)

Authored and compiled by Maya Marie of Deep Routes