Mint

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

Echinacea

What’s Below:

About Echinacea

Cooking & Storage

Recipes

ABOUT Echinacea

Echinacea is a native plant to Turtle Island offering so much beauty and healing in any garden. Also known as purple coneflower, echinacea is commonly grown as a perennial ornamental plant for its ability to grow well in various climates and soil conditions.

COOKING & STORAGE

• Edible parts: Flowers, leaves, and roots

• Medicine and Nutrients: Echinacea is known as a medicinal herb that helps combat the common cold and reduce flu symptoms.

• Storing and Shelf Stability: A bouquet of echinacea can be stored by first hanging it to dry and then crushing the flowers and leaves into a jar where they can be stored in a cool, dark area.

• Ways to Prepare: During peak blooming season (summer-fall) the flowers and leaves are harvested for tea and other infusions. Echinacea roots are also harvested in late fall for their potent medicinal properties. This plant is a welcome ally for pollinators and anyone needing additional immune system support after a very active summer and through the colder months!

RECIPES 

• Immune Boosting Peach Iced Tea

• Sugar Cookies with Edible Flowers

• Sage & Echinacea Throat Spray

Authored and compiled by Maya Marie of Deep Routes, Ayllen Kocher, and Amara Ullauri

Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop, also known as Licorice Mint is known for its fragrant licorice and sweet flavor that uplifts all the senses. This beautiful perennial herb is native to Turtle Island, here are just a few ideas for enjoying it:

• The flowers are edible, with a slightly lighter flavor - try them as a beautiful and tasty garnish or on salad.

• Anise hyssop can also be used in a bath - great for sore muscles, and to calm the mind!

• You can dry Anise hyssop as well, and enjoy a nourishing licorice flavor tea in the Winter! Just hang the stems upside down until crispy, then separate out the leaves and flowers and store in an airtight container.

• You can infuse honey - after drying, put some leaves in a jar and pour warm honey over them. Leave to sit for about a month and then enjoy!

Tulsi (Basil)

Also known as “holy basil”, Tulsi has been traditionally used to support immune system health, our response to stress and natural detoxification. It is an incredible plant!

Prepare a simple Tulsi tea by steeping a handful of leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Then strain and enjoy! You can let it cool and enjoy it on ice, and sweeten it a bit if you like, too.

Or, try a twist on a refreshing limeade by blending 3 limes, 2-3 Tulsi stems (with leaves and flowers), plus 1 cup of water. Pour the puree over a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids. Add another few cups of water and sweeten with honey to taste. Serve over ice.

You can also dry tulsi to enjoy this calming, grounding tea in the colder months. Just hang it upside down for a few weeks!

Sage

Sage, also known as garden sage, is a healing elder that offers bountiful ways to connect with their wisdom. As a culinary herb, sage offers a deep woody and earthy flavor to soups, sauces, marinades and infused oils. Sage is also used as a medicinal ally for its anti-inflammatory properties that helps with digestion, bloating and upset stomachs. Its antimicrobial properties offers immune system support and helps in soothing sore throats and other symptoms of the common cold. Sage can be used fresh or dried.

To dry, place a single layer of sage through a breathable surface to increase air flow. It will take up to two weeks for sage to air dry, then store in a air tight jar away from direct sunlight.

RECIPE AND IDEAS

Brown Butter and Sage Sauce

Sweet Potato and Sage Biscuits

Sage and Ginger Oxymel

Sage Honey

Sage Anti-Bacterial Salve