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Hence
the popularity of mint as a "strewing" herb. In
medieval times, strewn mint not only helped as an air freshener,
but its antiviral and antibacterial qualities were reputed
to combat the plague. The Pennyroyal species of mint
has long been used as an effective flea deterrent. Pennyroyal,
incidentally, is one species of mint that should never be
taken internally. It is especially toxic to pregnant women
and can cause miscarriages.
The genus Mentha consists of 19 original species, but
these have hybridized into about 2,000 different mints resulting
in botanical confusion, but culinary and medicinal profusion.
Contrary to what many gardeners believe, most species of mint
do not require shade and wet soil. In fact, like most herbs,
mints thrive in well-drained soil in full sun. Indeed, mint
is susceptible to rust if kept too damp. Because this herb
spreads rampantly through invasive roots, it is ideal for
container growing. Grow different species in separate pots
in widely spaced locations to discourage cross-pollination.
Cutting back the plant and especially the flowers will also
discourage cross-pollination and ranginess and encourage new
growth.
The original medicinal mint was spearmint. Peppermint, which
is stronger in flavor, is a hybrid of spearmint and water
mint. Because it is milder in flavor, spearmint is preferred
for raw foods like tabbouleh salad. Most cooks agree that
the best species of peppermint for culinary purposes is Blue
Balsam, or Mitchum, mint. Bergamot mint or orange or other
citrus mints are best with fruits and desserts or for iced
tea.
Mint leaves can be round, oval, slightly pointed, smooth or
wrinkly and have toothed or serrated edges. The telltale feature
of all mints is that the stems are square.
In Ayurvedic medicine, mint is recommended as a tonic and
digestive aid and for coughs and colds. The medieval Abbess
and herbalist Hildegard of Bingen prescribed mint for indigestion
and gout.
In Dr. James A. Duke's excellent book, The Green Pharmacy,
he cites mint as effective in the treatment of arthritis,
backache, gallstones, herpes virus and morning sickness. Peppermint
in particular he recommends for treating not only indigestion,
but also claims its antioxidants will help prevent cancer,
heart disease and other ailments associated with aging.
The classic savory application for mint of course is for roast
lamb. However, the herb goes equally well with all meats including
chicken and fish and especially with the hearty taste of wild
meats such as venison, particularly if served with a berry
sauce. Most vegetables also will be enhanced with the addition
of mint, notably new potatoes, peas and carrots.
Here's a great recipe for Roast Duck with Gooseberry Mint
Sauce. The recipe can be expanded and a goose substituted
for the duck. This would make an excellent replacement for
the traditional turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
· 1 medium sized duck (4-5 pounds)
· 1 celery rib, diced
· 1 carrot, diced
· 1 onion, diced
· 1 large bunch of Blue Balsam or other peppermint
· ½ cup of gooseberry jam
· ¼ cup of shredded mint leaves (any species
- even spearmint)
· A few mint sprigs
· Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Wash and dry the duck.
Pierce the skin on the fatty parts to help drain the fat.
Lightly salt and pepper the duck inside and out. Place the
duck, breast side up in a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes.
Remove the duck from the oven and fill the cavity with the
vegetables and the Balsam mint. After pouring the accumulated
fat from the pan, reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees and
roast the duck for another hour. Remove the duck from the
oven and place on a platter. Separate the fat from the juices
and slowly stir the gooseberry jam and the shredded mint into
the latter. Simmer this over a low heat for a few minutes,
stirring continually. Return the oven heat to 450 degrees
and after brushing the duck with some of the mixture return
it to the oven for up to 15 minutes or until the duck is well
glazed. Remove the duck and let it stand for about 10 minutes
before attempting to carve. Mix the remaining sauce with the
new pan juices and pour into a serving container. Garnish
the duck with the extra mint sprigs.
Mint is famous for its soothing, cooling qualities, but recent
research has confirmed mint's ability to enhance memory, concentration
and alertness, especially if inhaled. Mint therefore makes
the ideal car freshener, for it will dispel stale, unpleasant
odors while increasing the alertness of the driver.
I am indebted to Kathleen Gips of the Village Herb Shop in
Chagrin Falls, Ohio for this excellent recipe for Cinnamint
Herbal Auto Refresher
·
1/3 cup of dried, cut spearmint
· 2 Tbsp. dried whole mint leaves (preferably peppermint)
· 1 Tbsp. broken cinnamon pieces
· 1 Tbsp. non-clumping clean kitty litter mixed with
1 tsp. spearmint oil and 10 drops of cinnamon oil.
Age
the mixture for one week in a closed container. Package in
small fabric bags with hangtags. These can be hung from the
car's rear view mirror, strapped to the sun visor or placed
anywhere in the car. Squeeze the bag occasionally to release
the fragrance.
The above recipe will make many bags, depending upon their
size (a business card-sized bag is best). Sell them or give
them to your friends. They make great gifts.
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