Mint has been cultivated for centuries, used by ancient peoples for its health benefits and association with cleanliness. It now grows all across North America with a tendency to spread by itself through gardens and wild areas. In this article we’ll cover the health benefits of mint and our favorite recipes from teas to cold drinks, dips, salads and more!

Health Benefits

A delicious medicinal herb, mint is super high in antioxidants and vitamins, and it is both anti-bacterial and anti-septic. It makes the perfect natural remedy for a variety of ailments:

1. Treat tummy troubles - Mint helps stimulate digestive enzymes which can help relieve stomach cramps, infections, nausea, and bloating. It also contains methanol which has a calming effect on stomach muscles, providing relief from common digestive disorders including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
2. Aids respiration - Menthol can also provide soothing relief for those suffering from asthma, and can help clear stuffy noses and chest congestion.
3. Boost oral hygiene - There’s a reason most toothpastes are minty! Mint has gemicidal properties and helps fight bacterial overgrowth. You don’t need to chew mint-flavoured gum, simply chew a few mint leaves to freshen your breath!
4. Support weight loss - Because it promotes digestion, mint can also help boost your metabolism which leads to easier weight loss. It also makes a delicious calorie-free tea or cold beverage.
5. Promote mental well-being - Eating and smelling mint has been shown to boost alertness and cognitive functions, while also relaxing the mind for relief from anxiety and depression.

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Did you know?

There are many different types of mint, including

spearmint

,

peppermint

,

lemon balm

, chocolate mint and more! What mint can you find growing near you?

🫖 Mint Tea Recipe 🫖

1. Collect a handful of mint leaves - any variety works! - and give them a good wash.
2. Place the cleaned leaves in a french press, saucepan, or mug - cover with boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the mint.
4. Optional: add a sweetener such as honey or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
5. Serve hot or over ice for a cold refreshing drink!

Get creative by adding spices or herbs such as cinnamon or ginger for different flavor combinations 🌿

Lemon Balm Tea⏱ 5 minsLemon balm leaves, Ginger, Agave Nectar, Boiled water

Homemade Herbal Tea⏱ 20 minutes · 📸 1lemongrass, stems of mint leaves, cinnamons, cloves, small brown sugar cane

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Our Top 12 Mint Recipes

An incredibly versatile herb, try using mint in a variety of dishes for a refreshing twist!

Refreshing Drinks 🍹

Mint can make a beautiful garnish as well as a delicious main ingredient in iced drinks, smoothies and cocktails.

Mint Lemonade⏱ 2 MinutesFresh Mint leaves, lemon juice, Water, Rock salt, Sugar

Mint smoothie 💚Cucumber, Fresh mint, Avocado, Apple, Honey

Mojito by the pitcher⏱ 20 mins · 📸 2sugar, mint leave or adjust to your own taste, limes, club soda or sprite, rum like bacardi (again adjust to your own preference)

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mint drinks

Delicious Dips 🥣

Move over cilantro - mint is the star of these creative dips! Perfect for summer snacking or adding a flavor bomb to your meal.

Avocado Tzatziki Dipavocados — halved, pitted and peeled, lemon juice, large (8 ounces) cucumber, 3/4 finely chopped and 1/4 fine, dairy-free yogurt, chopped dill

Homemade Guacamole⏱ 20 mins · 📸 2avacados, limes, scallions, cilantro, mint

Eggplant Spread⏱ 1 hourmedium eggplants (2 pounds), salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic cloves, mashed

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mint dips

Summer Salads 🥗

Mint complements so many different flavors - including other herbs - it’s the perfect addition for cooling summer salads.

Asian Slaw with Spicy Thai Vinaigrette⏱ 30 mins · 📸 1(SALAD), Finely shredded Savoy cabbage, Finely shredded red cabbage, carrots julienne (matchsticks), Stems green onion, finely sliced (diagonally)

Watermelon Greek SaladWatermelon, Cucumber, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives, Mint

Israeli Couscous SaladIsraeli couscous, butter, water, kosher salt, grape tomatoes, halved

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mint salads

Minty Mains 🍲

Use mint like any other herb to make beautiful sauces for your pasta, fish, or meat. The flavor combinations are endless!

Rackets & Balls Pesto Pasta Salad⏱ 45 min - 1 hrbasil, mint, pistachios, parmesan cheese (grated), olive oil

Mint&Orange Salmon Rice Bowl⏱ 30 minFresh Salmon, Jasmine Rice, Salt & Pepper, Cherry Tomato, halved, Orange, cubed

Macon Chicken w/ Peach Mint PuréeChicken Breast, Thyme (with stem), Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Green Onions, Chived

What will you cook with mint? 🌿 Share your recipes with us on Cookpad!

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