The origins of mint(mentha) date back to the Greek Empire. There are 13-18 different species of mint. I know you are probably asking, how could there be 13-18 different species? Glad you asked. :) Mint is a baffling herb/spice. There are many hybridization of mint. And not all these mint hybrids have occurred by human influence, like many other hybrids that humans have been created; i.e. Orange Carrots. It seems, mint has taken upon itself to create different kinds of mint. One very popular example of this, is peppermint.
Mint has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Many cultures believe it has benefit for an ill stomach and chest pain. Even believing it could cure I.B.S.(Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It can also appear post surgery, as an aromatherapy for nausea.
Other cultures have used Mint in Teas or as Tea. Also, as a natural insecticide. Killing/warding of the insect.
I will say mints culinary use in America saddens me a bit. It traditionally is only used for sweets, like ice cream, candy, or chocolate. At times you will see it as a Jelly next to Lamb. I think Mint Jelly is detestable, and one of the worst inventions. Lamb marinated with fresh cut Mint Leaves is much more pleasant then smearing gross Mint Jelly on the Lamb after its cooked, Yuck!
I am hoping to provide some suggestions for Mint in savory dishes instead of sweet. And start changing American's outlook on Mint.
Salad: Cucumber, Red Onion, White Beans and Chopped Mint. Dressed with Olive Oil and Lemon. *Add fresh Ahi Tuna, and this will make an extraordinary poke. Or, chicken salad. And no fucking Mayonnaise!
Stir Fry-Chicken, Red Bell Pepper, Celery and Cashews sautéed with Fresh Ginger and Garlic. Tossed in the final stages with Mint and Soy Sauce. Placed above Rice.
Pasta- Sautee Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic and Fried Eggplant in White Wine and Diced Mint. Toss your pasta with your sauce, then add Fresh Ricotta. *Add Diced Swordfish
Fruit- Make a fruit salad with Melon, Strawberries, Melted Honey, Sesame Seeds and Mint.
Hummus- Garbanzo Beans pureed with Mint, Garlic, and Roasted Red Bell Pepper.
Mint has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Many cultures believe it has benefit for an ill stomach and chest pain. Even believing it could cure I.B.S.(Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It can also appear post surgery, as an aromatherapy for nausea.
Other cultures have used Mint in Teas or as Tea. Also, as a natural insecticide. Killing/warding of the insect.
I will say mints culinary use in America saddens me a bit. It traditionally is only used for sweets, like ice cream, candy, or chocolate. At times you will see it as a Jelly next to Lamb. I think Mint Jelly is detestable, and one of the worst inventions. Lamb marinated with fresh cut Mint Leaves is much more pleasant then smearing gross Mint Jelly on the Lamb after its cooked, Yuck!
I am hoping to provide some suggestions for Mint in savory dishes instead of sweet. And start changing American's outlook on Mint.
Salad: Cucumber, Red Onion, White Beans and Chopped Mint. Dressed with Olive Oil and Lemon. *Add fresh Ahi Tuna, and this will make an extraordinary poke. Or, chicken salad. And no fucking Mayonnaise!
Stir Fry-Chicken, Red Bell Pepper, Celery and Cashews sautéed with Fresh Ginger and Garlic. Tossed in the final stages with Mint and Soy Sauce. Placed above Rice.
Pasta- Sautee Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic and Fried Eggplant in White Wine and Diced Mint. Toss your pasta with your sauce, then add Fresh Ricotta. *Add Diced Swordfish
Fruit- Make a fruit salad with Melon, Strawberries, Melted Honey, Sesame Seeds and Mint.
Hummus- Garbanzo Beans pureed with Mint, Garlic, and Roasted Red Bell Pepper.