Aromatic plants are well known for their medicinal properties due to their sweet taste and lingering cooling effect.
Food lovers around the world are familiar with the ubiquitous mint. This highly virtuous medical herb is a key ingredient in every cocktail, dessert, candy, or chutney. Pudina, or mint in Hindi, is a variety of the Mentha plant. Despite being native to Eurasia, this aromatic herb is widely distributed throughout temperate regions.
Minthe is a Greek mythological figure who is believed to have transformed into the fragrant plant after having an affair with Pluto, the underworld god.
What is the purpose of mint?
Raw mint leaves are used in cooking. Since peppermint oil is highly potent, it is typically used to flavour foods and beverages due to its strong aroma and taste.
The taste-enhancing power of mint
A bit of mint always enhances the taste, gives a distinct aroma, and adds to the visual appeal of a dish, regardless of whether it is sweet, sour, or tangy. Global cuisines use mint as a garnishing agent and an essential ingredient.
Uses of mint leaves
In addition to enhancing the taste, aroma, visual appeal, and medicinal value of dishes, mint leaves have a positive effect on the digestive system and brain function. Leaves are used to make teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams.
You’ve got yourself a deodorizer just by scattering it around the house. In fact, it was used for this purpose in ancient Greece. Rumour has it that mint was rubbed on tables to welcome visitors in Greece.
Peppermint oil is used in medicines and household items like toothpaste, cleaning agents and soaps.
Peppermint oil is also used in aromatherapy.
Mint leaves: Contents
Half an ounce of spearmint contains:
Calories: 6 kcals, Fibre: 1 gram, Vitamin A: ,12% of the RDI, Iron: 9% of the RDI, Manganese: 8% of the RDI and Folate: 4% of the RDI