2023 What Can You Make With Mint: Expert Tell You

The Versatility of Mint in Culinary Delights

Mint is highly versatile in culinary applications due to its fragrant leaves and irresistible aroma. Mint can elevate a variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts. Common uses include mint pesto with pasta, mint chutney with samosas and biryani, homemade mint sauce to accompany lamb dishes, and adding chopped mint to marinades, rubs, and salad dressings. Chopped fresh mint also tastes incredible in summer salads and beverages like lemonade and iced tea.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

mint, tea, clear glass jar on white textile — *Photo by* *Tamara Schipchinskaya* / *Unsplash*

Refreshing and Rejuvenating Mint Drinks

Refreshing mint based drinks have stood the test of time in providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience. Here are some of the most common and easy to make mint drinks at home:

Mint Lemonade

Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, water and torn mint leaves in a jug. Allow the flavours to infuse for 20-30 minutes and strain before serving over ice. Add a lemon wedge to each glass for serving.

Mint Tea

Use fresh spearmint or peppermint leaves to make herbal mint tea. Add a handful of washed mint leaves to boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes before straining leaves and adding sweetener to taste.

Mojitos

Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice, sugar and club soda or sparkling water in a tall glass. Pour over ice cubes and top with rum to make this classic Cuban cocktail.

Mint Juleps

For a Southern spin, muddle mint leaves in a highball glass with powdered sugar and bourbon whisky. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

The freshness of mint makes these drinks highly refreshing on a hot summer day. Experiment with different mint varieties and fruit infusions to create your own signature chilled beverages at home.

mint, tea, white ceramic cup on white ceramic saucer beside stainless steel spoon — *Photo by* *Jasmine Huang* / *Unsplash*

Revitalize Your Skincare Routine with Mint

The health benefits of mint extend to your skincare routine as well. Mint contains powerful antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for various homemade skincare products. Here are some ways to incorporate mint into your routine:

Mint Face Mask

Blend fresh mint leaves with yogurt and honey to make an easy mint face mask. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. The lactic acid in yogurt helps exfoliate while mint soothes and tones the skin.

Mint Foot Scrub

Make a DIY mint foot scrub by mixing mint leaves with salt, baking soda and lemon juice. Massage the scrub onto feet and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse well and pat dry. The texture will slough away dead skin cells while mint cools and deodorizes your feet.

Mint Conditioner

Blend an infusion of mint leaves steeped in boiling water with your regular conditioner for an added cooling and refreshing effect. The menthol in mint soothes itchy scalp and leaves hair smelling fresh.

Mint Moisturizer

Steep fresh mint leaves in sweet almond or jojoba oil overnight. Strain and mix the infused oil with homemade emulsion of beeswax and witch hazel to make a soothing moisturizer. Massage onto skin daily for overall hydration and tone.

The versatility of mint means it can easily be incorporated into your homemade beauty recipes. From face masks and moisturizers to conditioners and foot scrubs, mint adds a refreshing dimension to your skincare routine with the added benefits of menthol and antioxidants.

mint, recipes, pizza with cheese and red sauce — *Photo by* *Diliara Garifullina* / *Unsplash*

Exploring the Medicinal Properties of Mint

In addition to its culinary and cosmetic uses, mint has a long history of traditional medicinal applications. Research has confirmed several health benefits of mint:

Aids Digestion

Herbalists have used mint teas for centuries to soothe upset stomach and relieve indigestion. Compounds in mint like menthol and rosmarinic acid relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and promote healthy digestion.

Relieves Respiratory Issues

When inhaled as a steam inhalation or consumed in tea, menthol-rich mints like peppermint and spearmint help relieve symptoms of respiratory issues like the common cold, flu and congestion.

Relieves Headaches

The cooling, analgesic effect of menthol makes mint effective for relieving headaches and migraines when applied topically in rubs or inhaled as steam or aromatherapy. When taken internally in tea, mint may help block pain signals to the brain.

Potential Benefits for Pain Relief

Preliminary research shows that menthol’s numbing effect and interactions with certain pain receptors in the skin and mucous membranes may provide benefits for relieving muscle and nerve pain when applied topically.

While mint’s medicinal uses are ancient and widespread, healthcare practitioners caution that self-medicating with mint remedies should be limited to occasional, short-term relief. Further research is needed to fully evaluate mint’s range of potential health benefits and safety when used long-term or in concentrated forms. Moderation and consultation with a doctor is advised.

mint, tea, clear glass cup with tea near brown ceramic teapot — *Photo by* *Manki Kim* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

What does mint taste like?

Mint has a refreshing, cooling, sweet, and sharp taste. The flavor is a mixture of peppery and earthy with a subtle bitterness and pungency.

What insects or pests affect mint?

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and mint rust are common mint pests. Good air circulation and prevention of overcrowding helps reduce pests. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can treat infestations.

What dishes use mint?

Mint is commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes, Greek cuisine, British cooking, juleps, mojitos, mint tea, fruit salads, lamb dishes, chutneys, desserts, and cocktails.

How do you harvest mint?

To harvest mint, snip sprigs off stems just above a leaf node. Try to harvest before flowers appear. Cut mint in the morning after dew has dried for best flavor.

What Can You Make With Mint: Expert Tell You

The Versatility of Mint in Culinary Delights