One of the most underrated and unappreciated herbs of all and easily found in every household, mint leaves have been adding a zing of coolness to our dishes, be it as a garnish, in crushed or dried forms. A go-to herb in summers, even as a prop to style up mocktail glasses, the mint leaves will not disappoint! But that is not the only benefit of this natural cooling agent. It is so much more than just being a garnish and prop. And here is why you need to know what is cool about these refreshing mint leaves:
Did you know mint is not one plant or shrub but a family of several plant species? This simple herb belongs to the genus Mentha and there are several types of mint leaves available and the most used are:
- Spearmint, also known as garden-mint, is widely used for all recipes including seafood, vegetables, and meat. It has a dynamic flavour but not as strong as peppermint, hence, it is mostly preferred for culinary purposes
- Peppermint, on the other hand, has an intense flavour that may taste bitter or pungent if taken in too much quantity at once. It is mostly used while making candies, tea or desserts
As a kitchen herb, mint is a perfect heat slayer and is highly recommended for inclusion in the summer diet. There is a reason why it is used as a garnish or given as a side dish along with meat – it is to balance the heat and make the dish savoury and delectable. There are numerous ways in which you can include mint in your diet this summer. Add it in your morning tea for a refreshing start. Mint can also be used to garnish salad, several types of meat, and seafood dishes for lunch and dinner. Many people prefer to make chutneys, a spicy dip made of mint and chillies that can be devoured with fried snacks. Besides meals, spearmint is a must while making mocktails too! The zesty flavour adds to the summer drink and is downright rejuvenating! Just what you need to escape the soaring temperature, right?
Other than meals and beverages, the mint oil is widely used for making candies, gum, chocolates, toothpaste, and beauty products too. Giving off a pleasant aromatic fragrance, chewing a few mint leaves can instantly refresh your taste buds, which is why it is also popularly used as a mouth freshener. But other than just being cool and dynamic in nature, it is extremely rich in nutrients and has medicinal uses too. Rich in vitamin A and a potent source of antioxidants, mint leaves, when taken in a certain quantity, help improve poor and night vision. The antioxidants in the leaves protect the cells in your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals as well. It also aids in digestion, asthma, and various other health issues.
When it comes to shelf-life, freshly picked mint can last up to 5-7 days. However, for it to last that long, it must be wrapped in a damp cloth or paper and stored in the refrigerator. So, this summer, let not the heat wave get to you. Add a dash of mint to your everyday diet and have a chilled-out season, the herbal way!