Author: Alice Spenser-Higgs

Mint is one of those common and garden herbs that can easily be taken for granted unless you stop at a herb stand and rub the leaves of each of the different mints and experience their powerful individual perfumes.

There are 25 species of mint and at least 14 different varieties are grown in South Africa.

These include unusual ones such as 'Black Peppermint', 'Basil Mint', 'Mint Julep', and 'Slender mint' (also known as 'Aussie mint') as well as the better known peppermint, and the fruity ones such as apple, pineapple, ginger and eau de cologne mint.

Few herbs come in such an array of flavours and fragrances. Mint adds zest to all kinds of dishes – not just roast lamb – and it has medicinal properties as well. Mint teas are wonderfully refreshing and so are cool mint fruit punches.

Different types of mint and their uses

• Garden mint (Mentha spicata) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata aquatica) are the two most popular mints. They have deep green, very aromatic leaves, with the latter having a more spearmint flavour. Used for mint sauce, jellies, in cakes, cosmetics, natural insecticides and medicines.
• Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) is tall growing, with hairy leaves and mauve flowers. Good for mint sauce, jellies, cooked vegetables and salad.
• Basil mint (Mentha x piperita f.citrata 'Basil') has small leaves with a basil mint aroma. Used for flavouring melon, tomatoes and fruit salad.
• Black Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has very dark brown, oval strongly peppermint scented leaves. Has medicinal uses, especially relieving indigestion and chest infections.
• Eau de Cologne mint (Mentha piperita 'Citrata') has large, round dark green leaves with an orange and purple tinge. Used in oils and vinegars.
• Chocolate mint (Mentha piperita spp) has dark green brown leaves with a chocolate peppermint flavour. Add to puddings, ice cream and drinks.
• Ginger mint (Mentha Gracilis) has variegated gold and green ginger scented leaves that can be used in salads, teas, drinks and for floral decorations.
• Mint julep (Mentha spicata 'Julep') has sweetly scented leaves and a striking fresh flavour making it ideal for beverages, as well as medicinally and as a natural insect repellent.
• Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata) has green and cream variegated leaves with a strong pineapple scent. Use the flowers and leaves in salads, fruit salads, and as a garnish.
• Ground cover mints include Slender mint (Mentha diemenica 'Aussie Mint'), Lawn Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium var.) and Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) which are flat, low growing groundcovers that are ideal between paving, stepping stones and walkways. They release their scent when trodden upon.
• Ant and Flea repellent mint (Penny Royal – Mentha pulegium) is upright growing and bears clusters of mauve flowers. When crushed the leaves release a strong peppermint fragrance that repel ants and fleas.

Growing mint

• All mints require the same kind of growing conditions; moist, rich soil in a partially shaded spot. The plant dies down in winter but will come up again in spring.
• Most varieties are rampant growers that will smother other plants around them so should be grown on their own, in pots or in pots that are sunk into the ground. This makes it easier to lift the pots and trim off the runners.
• Mint will grow from root cuttings and it is a good idea to make or buy new plants every year as they do start to lose their vigour.

Six unusual uses for mint

• Make a strong infusion of mint leaves, add to vinegar (apple or grape) and use as household cleaner for floors and surfaces.
• To ease stress and strained muscles use it in the bath with other herbs like lemon balm and lavender.
• Instead of drinking coffee at the end of a meal, make a herb tea using whichever flavoured mint you enjoy. Add a squeeze or lemon or a teaspoon of honey according to taste.
• For extra flavour and aroma, rub wooden serving boards with mint before placing the food on the platters. This was done in ancient times to appease the gods.
• Keep mice away with fresh mint. They are so averse to the smell of mint that they will leave untouched any food where it is scattered.
• Try a hint of finely chopped mint in a potato salad, or in a chicken stuffing or boil mint with cabbage.

Did you know?

That roast lamb and mint sauce are not just eaten together because they taste so good. Finely chopped mint in the form of mint sauce helps to make the indigestible albuminous fibres of immature meat more digestible. The volatile oil stimulates the digestive system and prevents septic changes within the intestines.

Medicinal mint

• Mint, especially spearmint and peppermint, aid digestion and also reduce nausea, colic and wind as well as soothing an irritated bowl or spastic colon.
• Peppermint, which is a hybrid of Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), is the most effective in relieving digestive problems as well as headaches and migraines associated with digestive problems.
• A compress of fresh peppermint leaves on the skin relieves pain and sensitivity caused by insect bites and stings.
• Diluted peppermint essential oil is used as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections and an infusion of peppermint can be used as a gargle, and cures sore mouths and gums.
• A strong decoction of spearmint relieves chapped hands.

Mint punch

• Wash and dry enough fresh mint leaves to fit into a large jug
• Mash the leaves with a wooden spoon until soft, cover with freshly boiled water and infuse for 10 minutes.
• Strain and chill. Add two cups of chilled grape juice and lemon juice to taste. Sweeten with castor sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Add a 2litre bottle of ginger ale.
• When serving, fill each glass to one-third with crushed ice and top with the punch.