Mint has an amazing variety of colors, aspects and aromas. The basic odor is fresh, piquant and peppery, but can vary with each type of mint. All the varieties of mint belong to the same botanical family, Labiatae.
Spearmint, mentha spicata, also known as garden mint, balm mint or Notre-Dame mint, is one of the most well known and commonly found varieties. Its narrow leaves are deep green and its flowers are grouped together in pointed 'spearhead' formation. Spearmint is highly appreciated for its digestive properties and its ability to relieve nausea especially due to motion sickness. It is also used to find relief from headaches and tension. Inhaling the steam will help relieve nasal congestion. As with any herb, if you begin 'taking it' for medicinal reasons, you should consult your doctor.
Mint is lovely when blended with lime, but also works marvelously with balm, green anise, vervain, orange blossom and licorice. Mint is a traditional drink in North Africa and the Middle East and is often prepared using green tea - generally gunpowder tea.
MOROCCAN MINT TEA
Place 2 or 3 tsp. of green or black tea into a teapot and add boiling water. Allow to steep for 3 minutes. Add a small handful of spearmint and let stand for 1 minute. Add sugar, 1 tsp. per serving, and serve very hot in small glasses.
Hot tea brewing method
Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoons of spearmint for each cup into the teapot. Pour on boiling water. Cover and steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste
Iced tea-brewing method
When preparing iced mint tea is to double the strength of the hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.
Peppermint is used extensively is various recipes. One of our favorites for 2 people is Banana Mint Slush.
1 ripe Banana, 1 teaspoon of Peppermint leaves, Grated peel of 1 lime, 1 cup of skim milk, 5 ice cubes. Place the banana in a blender and puree until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until slushy. Serve immediately.
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