Cooking with Mint: the most refreshing herb!🌿
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:
- 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).
- Aids respiration - Menthol can also provide soothing relief for those suffering from asthma, and can help clear stuffy noses and chest congestion.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
🌿 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 🫖
- Collect a handful of mint leaves - any variety works! - and give them a good wash.
- Place the cleaned leaves in a french press, saucepan, or mug - cover with boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and discard the mint.
- Optional: add a sweetener such as honey or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
- 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 🌿
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.
Explore more 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.
Explore more mint dips
Summer Salads 🥗
Mint complements so many different flavors - including other herbs - it's the perfect addition for cooling summer salads.
Explore more 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!
What will you cook with mint? 🌿 Share your recipes with us on Cookpad!
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