peppermint

One of the oldest culinary and medicinal herbs, mint has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures. Ancient Romans wore peppermint crowns believed to stimulate mind and soul, whereas fresh sprigs scattered on the floors of ancient synagogues would release their scent when trodden. 

Native to Europe and the Middle East, peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint with a menthol content of up to 50%; giving it its strong, signature scent. A popular flavour in confectionary and toothpaste, the leaves make a refreshing herbal tea or tisane: cut a leafy spring about three inches long, lightly crush, pour over boiling water, cover and leave to steep for five minutes. Pick leaves in the morning when the oil content is high.

Peppermint has stomachic, carminative, cholagogic, mild antispasmodic, expectorant, antiseptic and local anaesthetic properties. A daily fresh mint tea can help to aid digestion, clear sinuses and relive headaches. Also, the scent is meant to deter rodents. 

grow

Sow seeds on the surface of moist compost and water - don’t cover as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep compost moist but not too wet as the seeds germinate, usually within 10 - 20 days. When seedlings emerge thin as necessary, between 20-30 cm apart. Peppermint seeds can be started early indoors/under cover and transplanted outside after the last frost, preferable in a shady position but it can tolerate full sun. Grow in containers as it’s an invasive plant and will dominate a garden in sown directly in the ground. Seeds can also be grown indoors as a houseplant as long as the plant gets enough light and moisture.

drink - fresh herbal tea

Herb leaves are best harvested in spring/early summer before the plant has flowered, whereas tea made from flowers (eg. chamomile) can be harvested later in the year. Pick leaves that look good and are blemish free and give them a rinse in cold water if need be. Use about six leaves/one two-inch sprig per person, or more depending on the desired strength. Lightly crush the leaves with your fingers and place in a mug or teapot/infuser. Pour over water that’s cooled to just below boiling and leave to brew for five mins minimum. If making in a mug, cover with a plate to stop the fragrant oils from evaporating and retain flavour. Remove stewed leaves/flowers if you want to before drinking, otherwise enjoy!

drink - peppermint mojito

Add a sliced lime to a jug followed by a teaspoon of sugar. Crush the lime to release the juice then add approx 5 large mint leaves (or more if you like it especially minty) and rub them them slightly with your hands before adding in - this releases the fragrant oils. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of crushed ice. While stirring add a shot of white rum and pour in soda water to taste. Garnish with a large sprig of mint and enjoy. 

Caution: If you have any health conditions, allergies or are pregnant, always do your research and consult a doctor or trained herbalist before consuming herbs; while wonderful they are potent plants and should be used with care and in moderation.