Mint
Mentha spp.
Flavor Profile and Uses
Identification
Harvesting Instructions
- Each variety has a slightly different taste but all can be used for garnish or to make delicious tea
- Wonderful for easing nausea, digestive trouble, gas, and cramping
- Uplifting to the nervous system and cooling to the body - can help bring down fevers
- Varieties with more menthol (such as spearmint and (most especially) mountain mint) are beneficial in clearing out the sinuses and restoring respiratory health
Identification
- Strong minty scent when bruised and lance-shaped leaves that are finely toothed
- Each variety is slightly different in appearance (see images above)
- Rhizomes grow readily, spreading under the surface of the soil as runners
- Can grow 2 - 3' tall and is a vigorous grower, spreading far and wide
- Thrives in moist soils where days are warm and nights are cool
- Will grow in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained humusy soil with good fertility
Harvesting Instructions
- Harvest when plants begin to bloom on a hot, sunny day after the dew has evaporated off the plants
- Cut all aerial parts of the plant, leaving 6" of growth for regeneration (multiple harvests are possible throughout the season - see video below)
- Best processed quickly after harvest - hang in bundles upside down in an area protected from the elements with good airflow, checking every couple of days
- For small amounts, chop roughly and dry in a single layer on a screen
- Once completely dry, store in an airtight container (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)
Carpenter, Jeff, and Carpenter, Melanie. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015.
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