Mint
BOTANICALLY SPEAKING
While most dried Mint leaves are spearmint, from the species Mentha spicata, Mint extract is sometimes made from peppermint, Mentha piperita. Both plants grow about two feet tall and have broad, dark leaves and purple flowers. Spearmint leaves have a clean, fresh, aromatic flavor with a cool aftertaste.
YUM FACTOR
For savory dishes – a marinade for lamb, for instance, or a spice blend such as Indian chat masala – reach for dried mint. That spearmint flavor is also a favorite addition to fruit salads, cooked spring vegetables and split pea soup. For mint icing and mint-flavored confections, mint extract will be your best bet, whether pure mint or peppermint.
GLOBETROTTER’S GUIDE
A native of Southern Europe, mint is sourced primarily from Egypt today.
BELIEVE IT…OR NOT
It’s hard to say who gave its name to whom, but in ancient Roman mythology when Pluto turned his affections to a young nymph named Minthe, his consort Proserpine turned her into a mint plant. The ancient Hebrews had a different view, scattering dried mint leaves on the synagogue floor so that each footstep would produce a fresh cloud of fragrance. During the Middle Ages, mint saw considerable culinary use, but powdered leaves were also used to whiten teeth.
RECIPES
Spring Vegetable Minestrone Soup with Fava Beans and Mint
Toasted Sesame Seed Crusted Lamb Meatballs with Sweet Harissa Yogurt Sauce