Recently at the Plant Sale I was asked about other mints to
grow besides the Pineapple Mint we had at the sale. Now I tend to stick to the
traditional for my herb garden where I mostly grow what they call true mints --
spearmint and peppermint. But there are
many other options as well. The hybrid
exotics, give one many choices, from Chocolate Mint, to Apple Mint to Ginger
Mint. Here is a run through of some of
the exotic mints you might want to try in your garden and why.
Chocolate Mint
If you enjoy the taste combination of crisp mint and rich
chocolate, you'll love chocolate mint (Mentha piperita). Closely related to
spearmint, chocolate mint stands out from the crowd due to its purple stem and
indulgent cocoa scent and taste -- without the calories. Chocolate mint can be
used fresh or dried and makes a great addition to teas, baked goods, fresh
fruit, and ice cream. Besides it’s
chocolate – what’s not to like.
Mentha gentilis, also known as ginger mint, is an easy
to grow herb with a spearmint-like scent. The herb's leaves are veined yellow
and can be dried or used fresh to add flavor to fruit salads, teas, and
marinades. Visually different from most
mints it is a nice addition to the landscape.
Ginger mint is believed to have antiseptic properties and
is used to help relieve tummy troubles. In addition, the herb is used
commercially to repel rats and other rodents.
Apple Mint
Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens)
is a lovely, aromatic plant that can rapidly become obnoxious if not contained.
When kept confined, this is a beautiful herb with many fantastic culinary,
medicinal and decorative properties. Since
apple mint can be invasive, it is wise to consider confining the plants to a
container. You can put the plant in a container and then bury the container.
Consider
planting apple mint alongside cabbage, peas, tomatoes and broccoli to
improve their flavor. Use fresh leaves as a pretty and fragrant dessert
topping, as salad additions – especially fruit salad, or to make tasty apple
mint dressing. The fresh or dried leaves can be used in both hot and iced teas.
Water mint
This strongly scented herb (Mentha aquatica) smells similar
to peppermint and requires high moisture to thrive. If you have an area
prone to flooding and a place that stays damp this is the perfect plant for
that spot and water mint is known for its pretty, sphere-shaped lavender
flowers so you get a real treat for the eyes.
However, it's the leaves that hold the herb's medicinal and culinary
benefits.
Water mint can be dried for use in teas to treat digestive
problems, fevers, or headache and is also used as a sore throat and mouth
gargle. The herb can also be used fresh in salads and other culinary dishes.
Corsican Mint
Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) grows as a beautiful
bright green, moss-like, ground cover with tiny light purple flowers. The herb
prefers moist soil and shady areas. Its small leaves and low habit make it
perfect as part of a fairy garden.
Corsican mint has an especially strong scent and taste and
is known for its use in creme de menthe and other liqueurs. In addition, Corsican
mint tea made from dried leaves is sometimes used to treat digestive
illness, headaches, and fever.
Remember that mint are perennials and that they will grow prolifically as they reproduce by seed, runner and root multiplication,
Please keep in mind that while mint is generally considered safe to use, large quantities of any variety may be toxic. It's critical to consult your doctor before using mint or any other herb as an herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
No comments:
Post a Comment