What is spearmint and how do you use it?
Spearmint is also typically added to lamb recipes. It is also best added to fruit salads, potatoes and peas. There are leaves that are steeper and they are added to cream to make mint chocolates. The typical spearmint plant can grow up to two feet in height.
What does spearmint taste like?
There is an apple mint, peppermint, pineapple mint and chocolate mint and pineapple mint. Spearmint has a cooling effect and it tastes sweet as well. It is mostly added to the last part of the cooking process to make the dish tastier like pastas or fish. Spearmint is also typically added to lamb recipes.
Can you grow spearmint in your garden?
Spearmint is also a good plant to grown in your garden of herbs. It can grow with minimal maintenance and care. There are still many varieties to spearmint. There is an apple mint, peppermint, pineapple mint and chocolate mint and pineapple mint.
Is spearmint tea good for You?
Mint like spearmint is known to provide good benefits for the well being of humans and many ancient Greeks have passed the tradition of cooking with spearmint. They have passed their favorite recipes some of which are the following: 1.Spearmint tea – It is ideal to use the leaves that are steeped.
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Can you use spearmint in cooking?
It works well in sweet and savory dishes, and tastes great whether hot or cold. Be sure to pick your mint variety wisely when cooking. Spearmint is sweeter and more commonly used in recipes, but peppermint is also used, with a menthol-like flavor that is more pronounced.
What can you do with spearmint?
7 Tasty Ways to Use Fresh MintMint Tea. Add a sprig or two to a mug and cover in hot water. ... Mint Ice Cubes. Brew your mint tea extra strong then freeze it into ice cubes! ... Chocolate Dipped Mint Leaves. ... Watermelon Salad. ... Mint Pesto. ... Hugo Cocktails. ... Chickpea, Barley, and Zucchini Ribbon Salad.
Do you cook with spearmint or peppermint?
Uses: Both peppermint and spearmint are used in cooking. Despite its sweet flavor, spearmint is typically used in savory dishes, such as pesto sauce, pasta dishes, or garnish for roasted vegetables. Peppermint is more commonly used as a flavoring in sweet dishes and desserts, and it pairs very well with chocolate.
Is all spearmint edible?
Spearmint is a member of the mint family and is a common flavor in breath mints and gum. The leaves of spearmint are edible and can be added to salads, smoothies, certain desserts, and even as a flavoring agent for water.
Does spearmint settle your stomach?
Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. The compound (-)-carvone, which is naturally found in spearmint, has been shown to strongly inhibit muscle contractions in the digestive tract, which may explain how this herb helps relieve digestive upsets ( 1 ).
What are the benefits of spearmint tea?
Potential Health Benefits of Spearmint TeaLower Blood Pressure. Spearmint contains the compound (-)-carvone. ... Help with Digestive Issues. Spearmint may also contribute to a healthier stomach and alleviate symptoms like nausea. ... Improved Memory. ... Lower Blood Sugar. ... Antioxidant-Related Benefits.
Which mint is best for cooking?
Spearmint. Spearmint is most commonly used in cooking for many recipes, including lamb, vegetables, and of course, mint juleps and mojitos.
Is spearmint stronger than peppermint?
Peppermint's flavor is similar to spearmint, but it contains the ingredient menthol, making its flavor stronger and more pronounced. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus . 05% in spearmint).
Is there a difference between mint and spearmint?
While peppermint's menthol content is a whopping 40 per cent, spearmint contains just 0.5 per cent. Therefore peppermint is especially pungent and even spicy, hence the 'pepper' in its name. Spearmint, on the other hand, contains a compound called carvone, which gives it a much subtler, sweeter flavour.
What kind of mint is not edible?
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Pennyroyal looks very similar to peppermint. However, caution is advised as the pennyroyal is poisonous.
Are any types of mint poisonous?
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) This mint is toxic and should not be consumed. It also stays shorter and does not have the rapid spread of many types of mint.
Is spearmint a laxative?
Furthermore, it increased intestinal amylase activity. As well as aiding digestion overall, this extraordinary ability might mean that Spearmint Tea combats problems such as cramping, bloating and constipation.
Can you chew spearmint leaves?
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
Does spearmint keep bugs away?
Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden.
Can I drink spearmint tea everyday?
Spearmint extract has most often been used by adults at a dose of 900 mg by mouth daily for up to 90 days. Spearmint tea has most often been used as two cups daily for up to 16 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Does spearmint plant repel mosquitoes?
Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Decline in memory and thinking skills that normally occurs with age. Early research shows that taking an extract of a special type of spearmint daily might help with thinking skills in older adults who have started to notice problems with thinking.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Spearmint and spearmint oil are LIKELY SAFE when eaten in amount commonly found in food. Spearmint is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. Side effects are very uncommon. Some people might have an allergic reaction to spearmint.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy: Spearmint is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy. Very large doses of spearmint tea might damage the uterus. Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of spearmint depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for spearmint. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.
Curried Chicken Thighs with Pomegranate-Mint Sauce
Talk about a company-worthy meal without much effort or a hefty price tag. Serve this easy and elegant entrée over a bed of couscous and with a side of the Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Red Onion.
Spaghetti with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Spinach
Pistachios lend deep, earthy flavors to this pasta dish that is ideal for potlucks and feeding large crowds.
Minty Pea Soup with Parmesan Croutons
Bright mint brings a pop of freshness to this spring soup while creamy Greek yogurt adds a slight tang. Top with homemade croutons, and you’ve got a light springtime soup that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas with Chile, Lemon, and Mint
Mint adds a fresh finish to this side dish, but fresh chopped thyme or oregano leaves will also pair well with the snap peas.
Penne With Asparagus, Pistachios, and Mint
Sauté the white parts of the green onions first to mellow their onion flavor. Stir the green parts in last for freshness.
Cantaloupe Margarita with Hint of Mint
Want to make a bigger batch? Doubling the melon should yield enough juice to make 6 drinks. Process and strain in 2 batches, and then mix up 3 times the rest of the ingredients in a pitcher.
Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita
The tandoor, India’s wood-fired clay oven, turns out fantastic barbecued chicken. An ordinary outdoor grill with a tight-fitting lid and prepared for indirect heat mimics the gentle heat of the authentic clay ovens. Tandoori chicken originated in the Punjab region of northern India and Pakistan and get its traditional red color from ground chiles.
Spearmint Essential Oil Facts
Spearmint essential oil ( Mentha spicata) is steam distilled from leaves of the spearmint plant, a perennial herb with flowering tops, also known as common mint or garden mint. The leaves are bright green with a sweet mint aroma and bears pink-lilac flowers.
Spearmint Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Spearmint oil is uplifting and perfect to use when feeling sad or fatigued. It can reduce mental strain and calm tension. It's a great essential oil to use in stress relief blends, like our Lavender Spearmint Room Spray Recipe .
Spearmint Essential Oil Recipes
Looking for some ways to include this uplifting oil into your DIY blends? Use Spearmint oil topically or aromatically to receive the mood-boosting benefits. Here are 5 simple yet effective spearmint essential oil blend recipes.
Where to Buy Spearmint Essential Oil?
This essential oil is common enough that most essential oil brands carry it. If you need a bottle and are looking for a high-quality brand, here are some favorite brands:
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Essential Oils for Beginners Guide
Learn all about Essential Oils in this Beginner's Guide and how to use them safely and effectively. Written by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
Has mint taken over your garden? Be glad! These fresh mint recipes showcase its divine aroma and clean taste in sweet and savory drinks, salads, mains and desserts. Now you'll think twice about sharing the excess with your neighbors
Has mint taken over your garden? Be glad! These fresh mint recipes showcase its divine aroma and clean taste in sweet and savory drinks, salads, mains and desserts. Now you'll think twice about sharing the excess with your neighbors.
Mojito Slush
Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Minty Sugar Snap Peas
Fresh mint adds a lively touch to cooked sugar snap peas. It's also nice on green beans or carrots. —Alice Kaldahl, Ray, North Dakota
Cantaloupe Ice Pops
Your reminders to "eat your fruit" will finally stick once kids take a lick of these mmm-melony snacks. A perfect use for overripe cantaloupe, these pops make a light dessert or healthy between-meal refresher. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken Kabobs
Cook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal
Touch-of-Mint Iced Tea
My family loves the mild mint and lemon flavors in this iced tea. It's a wonderful alternative to soft drinks.—Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
