MINT
What Is Mint?
Mint is an aromatic herb produced by various species of the mint plant (Mentha). Native to the eastern Mediterranean, mint gets its name from a mythic nymph named Minthe (Mintho). Jealous Persephone turned her into a lowly mint plant after she had an affair with Pluto, the god of the underworld. The mint plant is common and a favorite of many gardeners, so it’s easy to grow your own. As an herb, it is gluten-free and suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets.
Culinary Use
Fresh mint leaves are usually cut in ribbons (chiffonade) and added to recipes. A stalk with a few tender leaves is placed in a hot or cold beverage and may be crushed (muddled) to release more flavor. Dried mint leaves can be added to a sauce or stew as it simmers. Mint extract is used to give mint flavor baked goods or confections, or to flavor hot chocolate.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Nutrients
- Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Help Relieve Indigestion
- Improve Brain Function
- Decrease Breastfeeding Pain
- Subjectively Improves Cold Symptoms
- Mask Bad Breath
Nutritional Value
Two Tablespoons of mint contains:
- Calories: 2.24
- Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrate: 0.48g
- Protein: 0.12g
Forms Available
- Fresh Leaves
- Dried Leaves
- Powder