Mint to Freshen Things up
Cool, aromatic, and versatile, mint brings freshness to both sweet and savoury dishes. From teas and desserts to salads and sauces, its flavour lifts every recipe.
Table of content
What does mint taste like?
What are the main types of mint?
How should mint be used in cooking?
What foods pair well with mint?
How do you store mint?
Mint
Mentha (Mentha spicata for spearmint, Mentha × piperita for peppermint)
What is Mint?
Mint is a versatile herb, celebrated for its refreshing flavour and aroma.
Fresh leaves are used in salads, sauces, drinks, desserts, and garnishes, while dried leaves flavour teas, spice blends, and marinades.
The essential oils in mint, particularly menthol, provide a cooling sensation and mild digestive benefits. Its ease of growth and rapid spread have made mint a staple in gardens and kitchens around the world.
Mint pairs especially well with lamb, chocolate, citrus, yogurt, and tea, making it a truly global culinary herb.
Facts about Mint
Flavour & Taste
Mint is cool, refreshing, and aromatic, with sweet herbal notes and a subtle peppery undertone. Spearmint is mild and sweet, peppermint is sharper with menthol-forward heat, and other varieties like apple or chocolate mint add fruity or cocoa hints.
Where Does Mint Come From?
Mint is native to Europe and the Middle East but is now cultivated worldwide, including in the United States, India, China, and Morocco. It thrives in moist, fertile soil and partial to full sunlight.
Popular Varieties of Mint
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Sweet and mild, commonly used in cooking and beverages.
Peppermint
Mentha × piperita
Sharper, more menthol-forward, often used in teas, candies, and oils.
Apple mint
Mentha suaveolens
Fruity aroma, excellent in salads and drinks.
Chocolate mint
Sweet with a hint of cocoa flavour, popular in desserts and infusions.
FAQ
What does mint taste like?
Mint is cool, fresh, and aromatic, with a sweet herbal flavour. Some varieties, like peppermint, are sharper and menthol-forward, while spearmint is mild and sweet.
What are the main types of mint?
Common types include spearmint (sweet, mild), peppermint (strong, menthol-forward), apple mint (fruity), and chocolate mint (sweet with cocoa hints).
How should mint be used in cooking?
Fresh mint leaves are ideal for salads, sauces, teas, desserts, and garnishes, while dried mint works well in spice blends, marinades, and infusions.
What foods pair well with mint?
Mint complements lamb, chocolate, citrus, yogurt, and teas, and can enhance both savory dishes and sweet treats with its refreshing flavour.
How do you store mint?
Fresh mint should be stored in the fridge, either wrapped in a damp paper towel or in a jar of water. Dried mint should be kept in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight.
Recipe Idea
Classic Mint Tea
Steep a handful of fresh mint leaves in hot water for 5 minutes.
Sweeten with honey and serve hot or chilled for a refreshing, aromatic drink.