Minty fresh! Helpful uses of fresh mint
While there may be OVER 600 types of mint growing all over our planet, we’ll be focusing on the common one you know and love: Fresh mint, AKA garden mint, AKA spearmint.
Mint has been used and cultivated since ancient times; the Greeks would rub it on their skin/arms because it was believed it would make them stronger. (At least they would smell good!) Mint was originally used to treat stomachaches and chest pains, and it is still used medicinally extensively. There are so many ways to utilize this tasty and healthy herb- just google it and you’ll see— the list is long!
Top Health Benefits of Mint:
Can improve your mood and help manage stress
The scent of mint is very calming and can be used in aromatherapy to beat stress. The aroma of mint helps to relax your brain and body by calming your mind. Mint also has adaptogenic properties which can regulate cortisol levels (stress hormone).Can boost your immune system
Mint leaves are rich in phosphorus, calcium and vitamins like C, D, E and A which may improve the body’s immune system. Try to consume at list a 1/3 of a cup to get those vitamin benefits (see salad recipe below!)Can help with allergies and asthma
Mint leaves contain a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. This agent blocks allergy-producing compounds, and may help people suffering from allergies and asthma
A few mint uses that WE love:
Using fresh mint in the kitchen is probably most well-known. Adding the fresh leaves to salads, smoothies, or just plain water are easy and tasty!
Mint water: Maybe this refreshing addition to regular water will help you drink more and stay hydrated, especially in our super-dry climate! Simply add a few fresh mint sprigs to either just your glass, or more to a pitcher of water, and sip on the minty freshness. Adding a squeeze of lemon makes it even more special. Get crazy and make some mint ice cubes while you’re at it!
Salads: Light summer salads get a boost with a few mint leaves. Try one of these (thanks to the culinary talents of elizabethrider.com):
Strawberry, Mint, Basil, and Balsamic Salad
About 2 cups halved or quartered strawberries
10-20 leaves each of chopped mint and basil
3-4 tablespoons of a high-quality aged balsamic
Optional: A dash of lemon juice, if you like a little more “zip”
Simply mix it all together in a bowl, and there you have it.
This combo is delicious alone as a side dish, or on top of mixed greens as a salad. You can also use it as a bruschetta topping with a whole grain baguette and goat cheese.
Watermelon, Basil, and Mint Salad with Feta (here on the Western Slope of Colorado we love Western Culture Farmstead’s goat feta):
With just 4 ingredients, this salad will seriously wow you. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to round out the flavors. Simply mix together:
2 cups of chopped watermelon
10-20 leaves each of chopped mint and basil
1 cup of feta cheese
Cocktails: Stay tuned for info from us on our collaboration with Rooted Apothecary on a Grow Your Own Cocktail garden, including fresh mint! We’ll get into mint infusions, simple syrups, sugars, and more!
Tea: Why buy mint tea when it’s so easy to make? Just steep your fresh mint leaves in boiling water for about five minutes and serve. It’s a great digestive aid after dinner.
As we mentioned, mint has been used in traditional medicines for a VERY LONG TIME. Here are a few simple, at-home uses, and if you feel like delving further into mint medicine making, we highly recommend checking out Plant Camp courses from our extremely knowledgable friends at Rooted Apothecary!
Breath freshener: Just chew on a few mint leaves! Teas and extracts have been used for centuries as a mouthwash for oral infections.
Hair rinse: Add one part strong mint tea to one part cider vinegar for a conditioning rinse you can either leave in or rinse out. The vinegary smell dissipates after drying.
This is one of our FAVES…Mint bath: Steep a handful of mint leaves in a pint of hot water for about ten minutes, then strain. Add to bath water for an invigorating, stress-free soak. Add a few flower petals and you’ll feel like your at the spa!
Add mint onto your next Dew Lily Delivery!
A bundle of garden fresh mint.
Add the fresh leaves to salads, smoothies, yogurt, and of course, water to improve flavor and receive the health benefits of this lovely herb.
Check out our blog post for helpful ways to use mint!
Best stored in a jar of fresh water. Change water frequently.
Not available for shipping.
~Delivery is included if purchased as an add on to any order that includes delivery. Also available for On Farm Pick Up in Paonia~
How to store mint:
I like to store my mint in a glass jar with water in the refrigerator. Just be sure to pluck of the bottom leaves so they aren’t sitting in the water - use those leaves right away.
If you think you won’t use all of your fresh mint in time, you can always bundled it with a rubber band or string and hang to dry in a warm dark location. Once the leaves are dry you can store in a container in a cool and dark location and use anytime!