In the article we discuss peppermint - medicinal properties and contraindications to its use. You will learn the chemical composition of the plant, and how it is useful for women's and men's health. We will tell you how to use mint in the treatment of gastritis, pressure, runny nose and burns. Following our advice, you will learn how to prepare decoctions, infusions, oils and drops from the plant.

A little about mint - this is a herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family (lat. Lamiaceae). The Latin name is Mentha piperita. Other names: motherboard, breastplate.

Appearance (photo) mint

Genus Mint (lat. Mentha) unites 42 species of plants. Peppermint is a hybrid of the aquatic (lat. Mentha aquatica) and garden (lat. Mentha spicata) varieties.

Cultivation of mint is possible in gardens, on personal plots and at home. You will learn more about home growing from. It is grown on an industrial scale in the Voronezh region and the Krasnodar region.

This is an unpretentious plant that can be grown even on the windowsill. It prefers moist, loose soil. Mint is propagated by layering, cuttings and division of the rhizome.

The plant has a fibrous horizontal rhizome. The erect stem reaches a height of 100 cm. The shoots are branched, densely covered with leaves.

The leaves are opposite, pointed, oblong-ovate. The edges of the leaf plate are sharp-serrated.

Small light purple flowers are collected in semi-whorls and form spike-shaped inflorescences. Mint blooms in June-September.

The fruit consists of four nuts. The plant bears fruit very rarely.

The chemical composition of mint

What is in the medicinal herb?

• menthol;
• essential oil;
• routine;
• saponins;
• fatty oil;
• resins;
• phytosterols;
• tannins;
• ascorbic acid;
• caffeic acid;
• oleic acid;
• chlorogenic acid;
• ursolic acid;
• carotene;
• arginine;
• glucose.

Due to its rich composition, the plant has a whole range of medicinal properties..

Nutritional value and calories

100 g of mint contains 3.8 g of protein, 0.9 g of fat, 14.9 g of carbohydrates, 8 g of dietary fiber, and 78.6 g of water.

Calorie content per 100 grams - 70 kcal.

How to prepare and store

Harvest mint in June - July, cut only fully bloomed plants. Collect during the day in dry weather, when there are no dew drops on the leaves.

It is better to carefully cut the plant, and not tear it with your hands. You can harvest both whole bushes and individual leaves. Put the cut mint in the shade, in the sun it will lose most of the essential oils, and hence its beneficial properties.

Immediately after collection, rinse under cold running water, dry thoroughly on paper or regular towels for several hours. Then spread the mint in one layer on paper, dry in a shaded and well-ventilated place for 3-5 days.

Store in glass jars or linen bags. Shelf life - no more than 2 years.

How to choose a spice

When buying a spice in a store, pay attention to the packaging, it should be:

• tight, check if it is not damaged or opened;
• opaque to keep the sun out.

Also remember to check the expiration date and pay attention to whether the spice is stored in a dry place in the store, out of direct sunlight.

Beneficial features

The healing properties and contraindications of the plant lie in its composition. The main component is menthol, which normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive and genitourinary systems.

Peppermint is used to treat diseases of the digestive system. It eliminates heaviness in the stomach, flatulence and has a choleretic effect. Effectively relieves attacks of nausea, has a calming effect on the gastric mucosa.

Also good for the liver and gallbladder. It is used to cleanse these organs of toxins and toxins, it helps to remove stones.

Mint decoctions, infusions and teas are used for bronchopulmonary diseases. The plant eliminates inflammatory processes in the bronchi and helps to remove sputum from them. Mint relieves cold symptoms and has a diaphoretic effect.

It is also used in dentistry. The plant disinfects the oral cavity. It is useful for stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease.

Mint for women

The benefits of peppermint for women's health are its beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. The plant has nourishing, strengthening and protective properties.

Mint is used in gynecology for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. A decoction of the plant is added to sitz baths. Such procedures have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mint for men

Plant-based medicines increase potency and normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs. Mint has a negative effect on men's health only with a regular overdose. The herb is useful in moderation - 1-2 glasses of mint tea per week.

A decoction of the herb is used externally to wash the feet. This procedure helps to eliminate unpleasant odors and reduces sweating.

Application in cooking

Fresh and dried mint leaves are used in cooking. The spice is added to sauces, salads, drinks. The grass is combined with lamb, poultry, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Peppermint oil is used in the confectionery industry. It is added to pastries, creams, desserts.

Application in cosmetology

Peppermint essential oil is used in cosmetology

Peppermint extract is used in the cosmetics industry. It is added to creams, lip balms, masks and hair shampoos.

Peppermint regulates sebum production, tightens pores and purifies the skin. Plant-based cosmetics are used to care for oily and combination skin.

Mint is suitable for any type of hair. Peppermint shampoos and balms nourish dry hair, reduce oily scalp and improve the appearance of curls.

Mask for the face

Mint nourishes and tones the skin. A decoction of the plant is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening. Peppermint oil is combined with other ingredients and masks are prepared based on them. Such products are suitable for problematic and oily skin.

Ingredients:

1. Yellow clay - 1 tablespoon.
2. Peppermint essential oil - 2 drops.
3. Almond oil - 2 teaspoons.
4. Lemon oil - 1 drop.
5. Water - 1 tablespoon.

How to cook: Dilute the clay with water, stir until smooth. Add oils and stir.

How to use: Wash your face, blot excess liquid with a dry cloth and apply a mask. Wash off with warm water after 15 minutes, when the clay dries. After the procedure, moisturize the skin with cream.

Result: The mask increases the blood supply to the skin, eliminates inflammation and reduces the fat content of the epidermis.

Hair Mask

A decoction of the plant is used to rinse the curls after shampooing. Mint extract is added to ready-made hair care cosmetics or homemade masks are made on its basis. They are suitable for oily hair types.

Ingredients:

1. Peppermint oil - 2 drops.
2. Jojoba oil - 20 ml.

How to cook: Heat jojoba oil in a water bath to 36-37 degrees, add mint oil, mix. The amount indicated in the recipe is for medium length hair.

How to use: Rub the resulting mixture of oils into the scalp with massage movements. Comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to distribute the mask throughout your hair. Wrap your head with polyethylene, warm with a towel and keep the product for 2 hours. The mask can be left on all night. Next, rinse your hair with water and lemon juice (1 teaspoon of juice per 1 glass of water) and rinse with shampoo.

Result: The mask prevents hair loss, accelerates their growth and improves appearance.

Application in traditional medicine

In home medicine, decoctions, infusions, drops and oil are made from mint.

In folk medicine, mint leaves are used as medicinal raw materials. Raw materials are harvested during the flowering period of the plant. For the therapeutic use of medicinal herbs, infusions, decoctions, and oils are prepared on its basis.

Like any other medicinal plant, mint has its own consumption rate, the excess of which leads to negative consequences. The daily norm of fresh mint leaves - up to 15 g, mint drinks - no more than 2 glasses.

You have learned about the uses and contraindications of peppermint. Let us consider in more detail the recipes for the preparation of medicines based on plants.

Decoction for gastritis

A decoction of medicinal herbs normalizes the digestive tract, cleanses the body of decay products and increases appetite. The drink is used to prevent and treat gastritis and other stomach disorders.

Ingredients:

1. Leaves of the plant - 1 tablespoon.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over mint leaves, put in a water bath and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, warm with a towel and leave for at least 15 minutes.

How to use: Take ½ cup 3 times a day.

Result: The drink reduces the acidity of gastric juice, eliminates inflammation and pain.

Infusion of pressure

Ingredients:

1. Dried herb - 1 teaspoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.
3. Honey - 1 teaspoon.

How to cook: Chop the leaves, pour boiling water, cover and let it brew for 20 minutes. Dissolve a spoonful of honey in your drink.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon of drink 3 times a day.

Result: Infusion reduces blood pressure, calms the nervous system and normalizes sleep.

Oil for burns

This oil is used as an antiseptic for the treatment of skin diseases and the restoration of the epidermis after burns. The remedy eliminates inflammation and accelerates the healing of the skin.

Ingredients:

1. Dried mint - 100 gr.
2. Vegetable oil - 200 ml.

How to cook: Cut the raw materials, put them on the bottom of a glass container, pour oil heated to 37 degrees and close the lid tightly. Infuse the remedy for 8 weeks. Shake the oil periodically. Strain the finished product through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator.

How to use: Apply the oil on the damaged areas of the skin and leave until completely absorbed.

Result: The tool accelerates regeneration, softens the skin and prevents scarring.

Cold drops

Mint drops are used to treat a runny nose and relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. They effectively eliminate hoarseness. Menthol is an ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of the common cold.

Ingredients:

1. Plant leaves - 10 gr.
2. Water - 300 ml.

How to cook: Grind mint leaves, pour boiling water over them, cover and leave for half an hour. Strain the finished product through a double layer of gauze. Store in refrigerator.

How to use: Place 2 drops in each nostril.

Result: Drops facilitate breathing, relieve inflammation and swelling of the sinuses.

For more information about mint, see the video:

Application for weight loss

Mint is used for weight loss. Tea is brewed and added to food during the cooking process. The smell of mint reduces appetite, and the chemicals in its composition soothe the nervous system. By removing the overexcitation of the central nervous system, the feeling of hunger is also dulled. The process of losing weight becomes less disturbing.

Mint cleanses the body of toxins. And if you add a piece of ginger to tea, the drink will help speed up your metabolism.

To prepare tea, a few mint leaves are brewed in a glass of boiling water or green tea, drink 1-3 cups a day. Do not overdo this drink if you have low blood pressure or bradycardia.

Contraindications and side effects

Before starting treatment with mint-based products, you should consult with a specialist. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and course of administration. An overdose of mint leads to drowsiness.

Contraindications to the use of herbal medicines:

• low blood pressure;
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children's age up to 6 years;
• individual intolerance.

You learned about the benefits of peppermint medicines and contraindications to their use. Let's summarize.

What to remember

1. Mint is widely used in cooking, cosmetology and home medicine, and is also used for weight loss.
2. Useful properties of mint and contraindications to its use are in the composition of the plant.
3. Plant-based products have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects.
4. Before using mint as a medicine, you should consult a specialist, especially during pregnancy.

Various herbs and seasonings can be used not only to add a special taste to tea or food, for many of them there are many more uses. Some of them you may not even know about. Today we will talk about mint. Not only does this herb have an excellent fresh scent, but it can help you out in so many situations.

Relieve abdominal cramps

Peppermint helps to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and relieve spasms. Therefore, if your stomach suddenly twisted on nervous grounds, drink hot tea with mint or just warm water with mint and lemon.

Prevention of infectious diseases

Mint has strong antibacterial properties. Regular inclusion of it in your diet will help your body more easily endure or even reflect infectious and fungal diseases.

Mice fight

If you plant a little mint in the country house or in the courtyard of your private house, be sure that mice and rats will bypass your site!

Soothing Foot Scrub

The refreshing properties of mint are associated with the content of menthol in it, which is very good at soothing tired feet during the day. Mix finely chopped mint leaves with sea salt and olive oil, rub your feet with this mixture and rinse with water.

Headache Relief

Headache is often associated with vasospasm. Just like with stomach pain, warm peppermint tea or just water with mint will help.

Against nasal congestion

Can't breathe? Brew mint with hot water (or tea again) and inhale, breathing in menthol vapor. The action will be almost the same as from nasal drops, but this method is natural and cheaper.

Relieve stress

Peppermint is a wonderful light and natural sedative that will help you reduce stress and anxiety.

Cancer Prevention

Currently, research is being actively conducted in the field of the influence of mint on the formation of cancer cells. There are opinions that it significantly slows down their development, especially for skin, lung and colon cancer. At present, there is no sufficiently reliable evidence, but there is still a chance that we will soon have another weapon against a deadly disease.

Salad dressing

Want to add some variety to your vegetable salad? Add a few mint leaves to it. Your taste buds will simply sing with pleasure.

Add Mint to Your Cosmetics

Making homemade soap or shampoo, in principle, is not so difficult. And with mint, homemade cosmetics will acquire an amazing aroma. Peppermint essential oil can be found in a specialty store or just in a pharmacy. By the way, a drop of oil can be added to factory creams and shampoos.

mint ice

Do you feel like mint needs to be used urgently as it starts to go bad? Make ice with mint leaves. Then these cubes can be put into water, lemonade or iced tea, thus adding a fresh note to the drink.

Refreshing facial toner

Pour cold water into a large bowl and chop the mint leaves. Put in the refrigerator for an hour. Then immerse your face in this minty water. You will feel incredible energy!

Refresh your carpet

Sprinkle the carpet with a mixture of dried mint and baking soda, leave for an hour, and then vacuum. The room will smell clean and intoxicating freshness.

Make an air freshener

To do this, just mix mint with some other flowers or petals and arrange these fragrant mixtures around the room.

Freshen your breath

Mix peppermint oil with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for a homemade toothpaste that will both whiten your teeth and freshen your breath. However, do not get carried away, this mixture can be used no more than once a week (and preferably less often), as it corrodes tooth enamel.

How do you use mint? Is there a way we didn't mention in the article? Share it in the comments.

Along with the summer heat, the season of herbs has come, and among the many useful plants, mint and lemon balm should be especially highlighted. What are the benefits of mint for the human body and how to use fresh mint for cooking? Mint has been used in cooking for centuries. It is put in desserts, drinks, meat dishes. Today I have prepared for you some interesting ideas for using mint not only for food, but also for our health and beauty.

It so happened that I had a whole bunch of fresh mint at my disposal. What to do with it so that it does not disappear in vain in the refrigerator? I was interested in recipes based on mint. Before that, I usually made only mint tea and mint lemonade, the recipes of which I will also indicate in this post.

The benefits of mint for the human body

Mint contains a lot of menthol, which accumulates in its leaves. It has an analgesic effect, and is also good as an antispasmodic and antiseptic. Menthol is good for blood vessels, helps with pain in the intestines and stomach. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from mint, which help relieve headaches, spasms, and nausea. Mint-based ointments help treat coughs and relieve muscle pain. They also take hot peppermint baths.

Menthol is added to drops to treat the common cold. Fresh mint juice is mixed with white wine and used as a general tonic. Peppermint oil is excellent for headaches: it is rubbed into the skin (an alcohol solution of 1: 4 is used). It is also used for inflammation of the skin and as part of inhalation for coughs.

Peppermint essential oil for hair

Peppermint essential oil is also widely used to promote hair growth. It is enough just to add a few drops of mint oil to a portion of shampoo with each hair wash or add it to burdock oil (2 tablespoons 2 drops of mint oil) and rub into the hair roots and lubricate their tips.

Mint for facial skin

Mint for facial skin can be used as a tonic lotion. It is as easy to prepare as mint tea. We take the color of fresh mint or its leaves - one tablespoon of finely chopped greens, pour a glass of boiling water, cook over low heat for about 15 minutes, cool and use to wipe the skin of the face and décolleté.

Mint in cooking: application, interesting recipes

In addition to the healing properties of mint, its amazing taste and smell are also used, adding it to dishes, drinks, spice mixtures. The benefits of fresh mint for culinary purposes were evident 100 years ago. I found confirmation of this in an old cookbook that contains some interesting and even funny recipes with mint. I will write them for you in the form in which I found them in books and give some explanations.

How to make mint tea from fresh mint

The main benefit of mint is its soothing properties. In a stressful situation, you can simply brew a cup of tea from mint leaves. But how to make mint tea: brew fresh or dry leaves, or add something else? There are many ways to prepare mint tea, but you can use the simplest: choose a tea of ​​your choice - green or black without any impurities, and add a few mint leaves or sprigs. For 1 liter of boiling water, add 3 teaspoons of tea and 1 large sprig of mint, let the tea brew for 7-10 minutes.

Mint drink made from fresh mint

Making a mint drink from fresh mint is as easy as making plain lemonade. Take 2 lemons, a few tablespoons of sugar (to your taste) and 2 large sprigs of fresh mint. Squeeze juice from lemons, add sugar and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool, tear off the leaves from the sprigs of mint and crush them well with your hands. Add mint leaves and ice to lemonade.

Old Russian recipe - mint vodka

Touches such an ingredient in this recipe as a bucket of vodka))) I'm not a big fan of strong drinks, so it's hard for me to judge how good this recipe is. But I hope that there will be those who are interested in old recipes for alcoholic beverages, and who love to cook homemade wines, liqueurs and tinctures.

Mint gingerbread

1 kg = 2.441933 pounds, so 1 pound is approximately 410 grams. Potash is potassium carbonate that was used as a baking powder for heavy gingerbread in Russian cuisine. Today, more suitable baking powders are sold in our stores, which can be used according to the instructions indicated on the package. By mint water, you should probably understand a decoction of mint leaves. I want to try this simple recipe in high season for mint.

20.08.2018

Peppermint is an integral part of our life, it serves us both as a breath freshener and as a pleasant refreshing ingredient in cooking. But did you know that it is very healthy and can make us healthy and happy? Read on to find out from the site about the medicinal properties of peppermint and contraindications, how it is used in cooking and much more!

What is peppermint?

Peppermint is a popular herb with greenish-purple lance-shaped leaves known for its strong, illuminating menthol aroma and medicinal value.

Because of its powerful smell and cooling sensation, it is often used in mouthwashes, toothpaste, and ointments. In addition, peppermint leaves are often used in cooking as a spice to flavor drinks and other foods. They can also be part of salads, pastries and hot dishes.

What peppermint looks like - photo

general description

Botanically, peppermint belongs to the Lamiaceae family, genus Mentha, and its scientific name is Mentha piperita. It is a natural hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).

This herb comes from Europe and is currently cultivated in almost all regions of the world. It thrives well in shady conditions and has bright purple, dark green leaves with serrated edges and purple bright flowers.

Mint does not produce seeds, but propagates vegetatively. Its distribution is due to underground rhizomes.

There are over 20 varieties of mint with a wide range of colors and flavors.

The difference between regular mint and peppermint

There are two main varieties of mint that can be used for culinary purposes: spearmint, also known as spearmint, and peppermint. Both have square stems with bright green, lance-shaped leaves. Peppermint has a sharper taste and more intense aroma, while the other kind is more delicate and sweet.

They are interchangeable in sweet and savory dishes. These two mints grow everywhere and in a wide variety of climates and are found in many recipes around the world.

Unlike regular peppermint, peppermint contains a much higher amount of menthol (40% compared to 0.5%). This chemical compound affects the nerve endings in the mouth, which causes the receptors to feel cool.

The difference between regular mint and peppermint - photo

How and how long to store peppermint

Fresh peppermint leaves are used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for several days in an unsealed plastic bag or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.

They can also be frozen in ice cube trays and used later to add to drinks.

Dried peppermint has a shelf life of several months when stored in a tightly closed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place.

Chemical composition

Nutritional value of fresh peppermint (Mentha piperita) per 100 g.

Physiological role

Due to its rich chemical composition, peppermint has such beneficial properties as:

• antiseptic;
• antibacterial;
• antispasmodic;
• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• muscle relaxant;
• antioxidant;
• expectorant;
• painkiller.

Useful properties of peppermint

Peppermint contains many plant chemicals that are antioxidants with disease-preventing and health-promoting properties.

This spicy herb does not contain cholesterol, is rich in essential oils, vitamins and fiber. Because of this, peppermint helps control blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

This wonderful, fragrant, dark green herb contains over 40 different chemical compounds, including menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. They act on cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, mouth and throat. They are responsible for the refreshing, cooling sensation that peppermint induces when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin.

Menthol essential oil is also an analgesic (pain reliever), local anesthetic, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Research has also shown that compounds in peppermint relax the intestinal wall and sphincter smooth muscle through blocking calcium channels at cellular receptor levels. This property of mint has been used as an anti-spasmodic agent in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other colic pain disorders.

Peppermint is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium. 100 g of fresh herb contains 569 mg of potassium, an important component of cells and body fluids that help control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper work as cofactors for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.

Mint is rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including A, C, E, and beta-carotene. The leaves contain many B vitamins such as folate, riboflavin and pyridoxine. It has a lot of vitamin K.

Benefits of peppermint and what it helps with:

1. For the skin - clears acne, rejuvenates dull and oily skin, soothes irritation.
2. For hair - stops hair loss and stimulates growth.
3. For health:

• helps in weight loss;
• reduces bloating and indigestion;
• cures seasickness and nausea;
• reduces fever;
• treats respiratory disorders;
• relieves anxiety and stress;
• treats cough;
• soothes a sore throat;
• controls blood sugar levels in diabetes;
• regulates blood pressure;
• relieves headache;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• reduces menstrual cramps;
• treats irritable bowel syndrome;
• strengthens the immune system;
• helps to sleep.

Application in medicine

Mint is used in various forms, and the list of its intended uses is long.

Peppermint tea (decoction)

Peppermint tea is one of the best remedies for stress and anxiety. The menthol that is present in the herb is a known muscle relaxant. It calms the nervous system, relieves stress, helps to relax.

You can brew both fresh mint leaves and dried ones. Just pour boiling water over the leaves and let it brew for 10 minutes.

Essential oil

Pure peppermint oil is the most powerful of the herb variants and should be used sparingly. For headaches, joint pain, back pain, and toothache, apply a small amount of oil to the affected area.

For cramps and pain in the stomach, peppermint oil is taken orally. Oil capsules are suitable for this purpose. Do not overdo it - take the recommended amount indicated on the package of the drug.

Please note: Peppermint oil is not suitable for infants and young children (under one year old), and sometimes causes heartburn in adults. It is taken only in small quantities. Talk to your doctor about using peppermint.

Peppermint oil is useful only in small doses (1-2 drops at a time) and no more than 8 weeks in a row.

Alcohol tincture (extract) of peppermint

To make a tincture, take a large bunch of peppermint and about 250-300 ml of alcohol (you can use vodka or rum). Alcohol extracts the healing properties of the plant.

1. Rinse the leaves thoroughly and knead a little with your hands to release the menthol.
2. Place greens in a jar and pour vodka over them. The amount of liquid used should be twice the amount of leaves.
3. Cover the jar with a lid and let it brew for at least one month in a cool, dark place. Shake it every couple of days.
4. Strain the mixture and pour it into a clean bottle, store in a cool place away from sunlight.

Mint tincture is used for various purposes: it effectively eliminates abdominal pain, renal colic, nausea, hiccups. The extract copes well with headaches, insomnia, convulsions, tremors, heart palpitations. Stimulates the digestive system, liver and bile and helps eliminate flatulence.

Dosage for adults: 25 drops of peppermint extract, for any of the conditions listed above, 1-3 times a day.

Contraindications (harm) and side effects of peppermint

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are advised to limit their consumption of mint, as the compounds in its leaves allow stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

Many doctors advise people with stomach ulcers to avoid peppermint because it contains menthol, which can aggravate the disease and cause further harm to health.

A side effect of peppermint is the development of allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to this herb. Headache, weakness in the legs, and skin ulcers are some of the symptoms.

Peppermint oil stimulates uterine blood flow and puts you at risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid mint in all its forms.

The healing properties of peppermint are considered very strong for young children and infants, so it is contraindicated for them. Even small doses of mint tea cause breathing difficulties and a burning sensation in the mouth.

Peppermint is considered effective and safe when used with care. Do not abuse this herb: Excessive use causes diarrhea, muscle pain, cramps, drowsiness, tremors, and a slow heart rate.

The use of peppermint in cooking

Before culinary use, mint should be washed thoroughly under running water to remove sand, dirt, and residual pesticides.

Mint is usually added in the final stages of cooking to preserve flavor.

It pairs well with other herbs such as parsley and cilantro, as well as fresh fruits such as watermelon and strawberries, and a variety of vegetables including potatoes, peas and carrots.

Here are some dishes that peppermint is added to:

• Its leaves are widely used in the preparation of herbal tea, especially in the Middle East.
• Peppermint is also added as a flavor base for ice cream and other confectionery.
• It is excellent for flavoring cocktails (eg mojitos) and other drinks.
• Along with parsley and coriander leaves, mint leaves can be used as a garnish.
• Peppermint is one of the ingredients in chutneys, soups and sauces.
• It is combined with olive oil and garlic to make pesto.
• Freshly picked leaves of this spicy herb are a great addition to a green salad.
• In the UK, peppermint is popular for making jellies and sauces traditionally served with lamb meat.
• It is often included in desserts, ice cream, chocolate, pastries, and also combined with fruits.
• Peppermint is added to fruit drinks, jelly, compotes.

How to replace peppermint in recipes

If you urgently need mint, and you didn’t have it, there are several options for replacing it.

• Basil - Its aroma is also slightly peppery, but stronger and sweeter, it has the same menthol note (especially when finely chopped) that peppermint is famous for. It can even be put in drinks, besides, it has numerous health benefits, read more in this publication.
• Marjoram - This spicy herb is another member of the mint family and is widely used in Italian dishes. It has a delicate flavor and a menthol flavor similar to mint. Marjoram can be used in almost all dishes. As a substitute for peppermint, start by adding half the amount called for in the recipe.

Hello dear gardeners! I have long wanted to ask: what do you do with mint, especially if there is a lot of it?

Everyone knows that peppermint is added to give it a pleasant refreshing taste and aroma. This tea is good for colds: you can drink it hot or just breathe in its vapors. Coming soon, which means it's as relevant as ever. In general, it is certainly a useful plant. But how else can you use it, other than adding it to tea? Is this really its only purpose?

As it turned out, no. It's just that we don't know about many ways to use mint. And if we do know, we ignore it. In vain ... Personally, after writing this post, my attitude towards mint has changed. So, let's get acquainted with mint goodies and usefulness)

Ingredients:

• Fresh mint - 30-40 g (5-6 sprigs).
• Vodka, cognac, moonshine or diluted alcohol - 1 liter.
• Water - 250 ml.
• Sugar - 350 g.

1. Put mint in a jar and fill it with alcohol. Close the jar with a lid and put in a dark cool place for 10-15 days. During this time, the liquid will turn greenish or bright green (the color depends on the quality of the mint). Strain the tincture through a sieve or gauze, discard the mint.
2. Dissolve sugar in boiling water and simmer, in other words, make syrup. Then cool it down to room temperature.
3. Add syrup to the tincture and mix well.
4. Clean for a month in a dark cool place. After the specified time, you can use it both in pure form and as part of cocktails. If the color has become a little brown - it's okay, it's because of the sugar.

Well, for children and non-drinkers... That's what I first learned about. I'll try today!

Ingredients:

• Fresh mint (with stems) - 300 g.
• Sugar - 3 tbsp. spoons (more if you like).
• Water (boiling water) - 2 liters.

1. Put mint in a 2-liter jar (it will fill about 1/4 of the volume), cover with sugar and pour boiling water over it.
2. Cover with a napkin and leave for 3 days to infuse at room temperature.
3. After the specified time, remove the foam from above, strain the kvass and refrigerate. Drink chilled, of course.

How to make mint ice cubes? Very simple! Cut mint leaves and pour boiling water over them. Cover the container with a lid and wait until it cools completely. Then strain the infusion and freeze in special molds. If you wish, you can put a mint leaf in each mold. It will be fresh and beautiful =)

Here are such. This must not be all that can be done with mint ... But, you see, this is a lot.