Can you bring to mind anything which says summer evenings more than a large glass of something minty fresh? Being so easy to care for, why not make sure you have a variety of mints growing in order to make the most of their flavours in your summer mocktails, cocktails, or teas?

A World of Flavours

Spearmint, Mentha spicata, is often the main mint of choice in savoury dishes while peppermint, Mentha piperita, is best in sweet dishes, pairing particularly well with citrus and chocolate. Delve a little deeper though and you will find a feast of flavours waiting to be explored.

Apple mint, Mentha suaveolens, has a fruity aroma and a gentler taste, making it perfect to top bowls of fruit salad or strawberries and ice cream. Pineapple mint, Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’, has a hint of citrus with sweet, tropical notes, whilst banana mint, Mentha arvensis, really does have the scent and taste of its namesake. Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’, has a crisp flavour that is great for making sauces and tea, or for chocolate lovers out there, Mentha piperita citrate ‘Chocolate’, has that distinct aroma that will make you dream of reaching for an After Eight.

There are so many to try that once you start growing a variety of flavours, you will be hooked on seeking out others.

Did You Know?

Mint was so valued in Ancient Egypt that it was used as a form of currency.

Minty Recipes

Fresh Mint Lemonade

Chop six lemons into around eight pieces and blend together with 125g sugar, and a handful of ice cubes. Put a good handful of mint leaves into a jug and crush using the back of a spoon, before straining the lemon juice into the jug. Serve alone with slices of lemon and mint springs as garnish, or add vodka or gin if desired.

Mint Tea

Add mint leaves, honey, and lime slices to a cup of boiling water, mix, and allow to infuse for three minutes.

Winter Tea

It is easy to dry mint leaves so you can store them for use in warming, winter teas. Spread them in a single layer in a warm, airy place out of direct sunlight, then once dried out, store in an airtight jar, ready for the end of the year.

Mint can be a bit of a thug when growing in the ground, sending out underground, spreading stems which can strangle the roots of other plants. It is best grown in a pot where the roots can be contained, or plunge the pots in your border to prevent roots from straying.