World cuisine and mint

So, what does come to your mind when you hear a mint? Probably mojito, chocolate ice cream or a chocolate bar with mint filling. But mint can do much more and it does not matter what type you prefer.

The use of mint in individual world cuisines varies and we shall explore this phenomena in today’s article. Mint is also a medicinal plant but the healing properties are often neglected.

You can find mint all over the world

Well, except for Antarctica. The origin of mint could be traced somewhere in the Mediterranean, but it became very popular soon and today, it used literally everywhere. For example, France. Mint is considered an aphrodisiac and hence the popular combination with chocolate or with various liqueurs. Especially, Anglo-Saxon countries use mint as a great addition to alcoholic drinks (wines and punches) as well as to sweet desserts. And Great Britain? We all know the great mint sauce, added to lamb or mutton dishes . You could often find it in various vegetable dishes too such as stewed peas, carrots or cabbage where it adds a completely different dimension to the regular taste.

Mint and digestion

If you add mint to dishes at the very end of cooking, you will not destroy its healing properties. The most effective in this respect is peppermint (Mentha piperita) and it works great on an irritated stomach or intestinal colic. All you need to do is make tea using just two spoons of fresh mint (or one spoon of dry mint). You may drink it at any time during or before a meal.

Photo: Pixabay

Mint is also good for fighting migraines and stress, but here it is used in the form of an essential oil, but just smelling a fresh mint plant growing in a flower box will do you good. Mint also repels flies, mosquitoes and other troublesome insects. So, mint should really be on everybody’s windows.

Fruit salad with mint

As already mentioned, the refreshing properties of mint are widely utilized in energizing cold drinks and light sweet desserts. Mint is also added to delicious fruit salads, which you will find very refreshing, especially during hot summer days. And what fruits should you combine mint with to enhance the great aromatic properties? Well, kiwi, watermelon, raspberries, strawberries, berries and other seasonal fruits. Mint is simply great.

Basil pesto with mint

Pesto Genovese is an excellent green cold sauce whose origins may be traced back to sunny Genoa, Italy. This popular pesto is made by mixing fresh basil leaves, olive oil, pine nuts and hard cheese (preferably Parmesan), but if you add one large branch of diced mint to pesto, you will create a completely new, tangy taste. Pesto is also added to various pastas, cheeses, salads or baked goods.

Preview photo: Pixabay