How To Grow, Cook & Use Fresh Mint

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Fresh mint is very prolific, which means it grows in abundance. No wonder the question I get asked most often is ‘what can I use mint for?”.
I happen to love the refreshing taste, smell and feel of mint so I have no problem coming up with ways to use it.
If you would like to learn more about How To Grow, Cook & Use Fresh Mint, I have the perfect tips for you!

How To Grow Fresh Mint

Year ago I was the president of a local herb society and garden club. The members would gasp when I claimed I planted my mint in the ground!

You could hear the chatter among the members of the horror as they imagined my entire property covered in mint!

Truth is, I love fresh mint. Mint is aesthetically pleasing and my bees love it. I would rather have a yard full of lush, green herbs, that feed my pollinators over a yard of grass that I have to mow every two weeks.

Nonetheless, heed my caution. Mint does spread. A lot. You will find it in places you never would imagine it could reach. Unless you’re like me and actually want the mint to grow everywhere, and I mean everywhere, then it’s best to plant in pots.

The most common mints are Peppermint and Spearmint.
I have also grown and enjoyed: Chocolate Mint, Pineapple Mint, Apple Mint, and many more.
If you’re confused by the mint family, don’t worry, you are not alone.
With over 6,000 species of mint, and over 200 genera, it’s easy to get confused.

Tips To Growing Mint

Plant it once and enjoy it year after year
Mint prefers fertile soil with a pH from 6.0 to 7.0
It is a Fast-growing, spreading plant.
Ideal for planting in pots
Makes a good ground cover

When planting mint, select a damp area in your garden in either full sun or part shade.
Always plant mint in a pot unless you want it to be a ground cover.

I purposely plant mint in the ground so it will be a ground cover.
Because of the vast amount of shade we have, we can’t grow grass, but we can grow mint.
I also harvest it regularly so I never feel overwhelmed by it- I love my mint!

What Can You Do With Fresh Mint Leaves?

Fortunately, we have access to fresh mint for most of the year. We live in hardiness zone 7b, so we only lose our mint about three months per year.

Consequently, we use fresh mint often in our daily lives.

Ways To Use Mint

Vitamin Water (recipe below)
In our chicken coops to keep rodents at bay.
Rub on our skin to deter biting insects.
Add to flower arrangements as fresh greenery.
Hang a bunch of fresh mint from my review mirror in my car as a natural air freshener.
Aromatherapy. I break a sprig of mint off, crush some of the leaves and deeply inhale.
Place in linen bags around the house to deter mice and spiders.
Apply to bug bites and stings.

How Do You Eat Fresh Mint Leaves?

Not only can you eat fresh mint leaves, but you should eat fresh mint leaves.

For years chefs have placed fresh mint on plates as a garnish. This is done for two reasons. One, mint helps freshen your breath. And two, mint aids in digestion.

So next time you see fresh mint on your plate, use it. Don’t toss it to the side. Take a little bite and start chewing.

However, hands-down, my favorite way to enjoy chewing on fresh mint leaves is when I make Mint Candy. Only three ingredients and the whole family enjoys it!

Cooking With Fresh Mint

Mint leaves are used either fresh or dried for teas and recipes. If mint is in season and you can get some fresh mint, use that. If it’s not in season, dried mint is just fine to use.

Do You Wash Mint Leaves Before Using?

Always wash your fresh mint in cold water before using. Mint can harbor little insects on the back sides of its leaves and washing your mint can help remove them. Unless you want the extra protein?

Mint Recipes

Smoothie: Pineapple Mint Smoothie Recipe
Desserts: Lemon Mint Sherbet
Drinks (Mint Julep)
Vitamin Water (recipe below)
Fruit Dishes: Summer Fruit Salad with Mint Dressing
Lamb: Roast Rack of Lamb with Mint Sauce
Middle Eastern Dishes: Tabbouleh
Fresh Salads
Mint Candy
Asian Rolls: Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Mint Vitamin Water Recipe

This is a refreshing way to enjoy water and have the extra benefits of minerals and vitamins.

Mint Vitamin Water Ingredients

1 Cup of Fruit -cleaned and chopped in big chunks, do not chop berries (see below for fruit suggestions)
¼ Cup Fresh Herb Leaves. Any variety of mint: peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint, chocolate mint, or apple mint.
Pitcher of Filtered Water

Vitamin Water Instructions

Add fruit to water.
Rub herbs between hands to bruise the herb and release the oils, add to water.
Let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the fridge for 3-4 hours. The longer you infuse the water, the stronger the flavor.
Discard fruit and herbs after 48 hours to prevent from spoiling. Store vitamin water in fridge up to three days.

Pair Up Your Herbs With

Peaches
Pineapple
Apple
Watermelon
Grapefruit, limes or lemons
Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries or Strawberries

Using Fresh Mint for Medicine & Health

Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy, beauty products, and medicines.

Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food.

We often boast about berries and other “Super Foods” when talking about antioxidants but overlook herbs.
Learning how to use fresh herbs and spices like mint when cooking can also help to cut down on sodium intake.

Mint possesses astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties
It aids in: Indigestion , IBS, Colds, Allergies and Oral Care
It is rich in essential oils, vitamins and dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol and blood pressure
Peppermint-herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin A