|
Statistics
Members: 237
News: 1054
Web Links: 17
Visitors: 640591
|
Probably the two most common mints are spearmint and peppermint. Peppermint has as more rounded fuzzier leaf and is used most often for teas and flavorings. Spearmint is used most often in cooking, usually with peas, lamb or sometimes carrots. It is one of the main ingredients in tabouli. English cooking often calls for mint sauce with lamb.
Grown from root cuttings, mint is extremely easy to grow. It is usually grown in a contained area so the roots don't get into the rest of the garden, as it can become invasive/ separate different varieties as they can become bitter if they mix. Mint is always one of the first herbs I plant in a new garden as there are so many uses for it.
To make peppermint tea, use two tablespoons of dry mint or a handful of fresh leaves for each cup of boiling water. Steep mint 10 minutes, strain and chill or drink hot. In the summer I make a mint tea using the strained mint tea, and add lemon juice and sugar to taste. If I want a bit more body, I make a large pot and add one bag of Earl Grey tea to give it a bit more tea flavor. This is extremely refreshing.
Another favorite recipe is mint vinegar. Using ether mints, {I prefer spearmint} heat white vinegar and add sugar. I use about 2 cups of vinegar to ½ or 1 cup of sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and add 1 or 2 cups of dried or fresh mint leaves. Place in a jar with a lid and store for 2 weeks to 2 months. Strain and place in sterile bottles to be used as a mint sauce with meat or to flavor salad dressings and more.
An interesting recipe I found recently was for Echinacea-Spearmint Schnapps. 4 cups fresh Echinacea [purple coneflower] and 4 cups fresh spearmint, l litre sugar syrup '[500 g sugar heated in 750 ml water until dissolved], with 1 litre vodka
Don't worry about exact measurement of the herb. Use stems, leaves and flowers of Echinacea and spearmint, cut into pieces and place in a large wide mouth jar. Add sugar syrup and vodka. Cover and shake to mix. Keep in a dark spot for at least two weeks shaking to mix occasionally. Strain and decant into sterilized bottles. Serve as an after dinner drink or mix with soda water for a spritzer. To prevent the onset of a cold, at the first sign of symptoms take a teaspoonful of schnapps. Sounds like a great home remedy. I'm going to have to try this!
Lindi Karmason for Lake Country Greenhouses |
|
Subscription
Special OfferOrder 12 ISSUES of the CHOICE for family and friends for only $12.00 plus gst (Canada only). Send your name and address and a cheque to Seniors Choice at Box 41075 RPO South, Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7
MYRA CANYON KELOWNA BC
SILVER STAR VERNON BC
|
