[scientific name]
History |
| Mentha
perennial most varieties semi-dormant in winter. mint used in teeth cleaning preparations as far back as 6th century eastern herb – introduced to Europe through north Africa Spearmint and Peppermint asr a favourite for tea Greeks used mint to clean their dining tables and in their bath water. Romans regaurded mint as a stimulant and used it in sauces. They are also responsible for bringing mint to Britain. Grows by runners Excellent for plating around fruit trees (mow it if it grows out too far) sunloving prone to rust. If this happens cut it right back to ground level, cover with compost and water. it will generally spring back rust free. Companion to cabbages and tomatoes. May act as a deterant to white cabbage butterfly. chopped and mixed with vegetables such as peas, tomatoes, cucumber, and potatoes mint sauce with roast lamb flavour diminishes the longer it is cooked. Add at the last minute
Japanese mint Mentha arvensis L. – source of true menthol rub a leaf to rupture the oil glands and inhale if you have a blocked nose or chew a leaf for a sore throat Excellent chopped in a fruit salad Coat in chocolate and serve with coffee
Peppermint (mentha x piperita) high in magnesium and helps to relax the stomach
Sweet mint a soft mint not prone to rust.
can become invasive
Vietnamese mint Persicaria odorata laska leaf eaten raw in salads or in spring rolls
used alongside mint and coriander does not tolerate frost fertile soil with plenty of moisture
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