Mint

Mentha spp.

herb

Fragrant leaves of a perennial herb of the basil family; spearmint, known as Moroccan mint, makes mint tea, with about a hundred fresh leaves per litre. It provides rosmarinic acid.

Origin

Mediterranean basin

Season (United States)

April to October · grows in your region

Preparation

The tough stems are left; the leaves and flowers are eaten. It grows at ground level and catches the splashes of watering: washing it leaf by leaf, in plenty of water, beats a quick rinse of the whole bunch.

Molecules

Rosmarinic acid · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, the nymph Minthe was turned into mint by Persephone, or by her mother Demeter, after Hades had turned away from her.