Home Useful properties of fruits Mint that blooms with red flowers is the name. Peppermint - properties and uses. Wild mint varieties

Useful properties of fruits

Mint that blooms with red flowers is the name. Peppermint - properties and uses. Wild mint varieties

Described accompanied by myths and legends. Culture is mentioned as a trade item in the Ancient World. The herb is used in cooking, perfumery and medicine. One of the many names of the plant is "chill", it accurately conveys the first sensation of inhaling the scent of mint. A description and a photo with the names of the varieties of mint will help you understand the features.

General information about mint

A perennial plant loves cultivated soil, grows in the shade or in sunny places, unpretentious. It is not demanding on top dressing, moderate enough. All types and varieties of mint reproduce by growth of roots, petioles, rooting of leaves, seeds. In garden plots, the plant is best grown in flowerpots or on a site fenced off for roots.

Since the herb is used for culinary purposes, the ground portion of almost all varieties can be harvested at the end of flowering. This is the moment when the plant has the highest concentration of essential oils. Store dried leaves and petioles in glassware in a dark place. They are used as a seasoning for dishes and as part of herbal tea.

The industrial cultivation of various types and varieties of mint makes it possible to use the obtained essential menthol oils in perfumery and medicine. The aroma of menthol soothes and makes you focus.

Students in the Middle Ages were instructed to wear a mint wreath on their heads to improve brain activity. If you put a mint leaf in your wallet, there will be a profit. If rubbed with mint, the forest gnat will fly around.

Peppermint is especially often used for medical purposes. The content of essential oils in a culture depends on the growth conditions. In warm regions, it is more saturated with useful substances, and there it is cultivated on an industrial scale. The recovered oil contains a lot of menthol and other volatile ester derivatives. The varieties of mint, the photos of which are presented, differ not only in the shape of the leaves and inflorescences, but also in the properties that make the culture necessary.

The use of mint is based on the beneficial effects on the human body:

relieves inflammation in the respiratory tract;
shows an antispasmodic effect;
has an analgesic and antiseptic effect;
relieves the state of panic and discomfort.

Peppermint photo

The cultivated plant is obtained by crossing wild, water and spikelet mint. It was obtained in England, hence the other name, English mint. In total, 25 species have been created on the basis of peppermint, 15 species are cultivated in our country. The plant is a good honey plant, while the aroma is preserved in the product. Peppermint leaves contain up to 4.4% oil. It is this type of herb that is often grown in the pharmaceutical garden in the country. The plant is unpretentious, but does not like the presence of weeds. After 3-4 years, the site needs to be replanted again, since the old bushes lose their decorative effect. Mint is used in landscaping as a background plant, its height reaches a meter. This species is cultivated for the production of menthol on an industrial scale. Menthol oil is in demand both in pure form and as an ingredient in perfumery. Menthol serves as the basis for some dosage forms.

In the photo, field mint

This type of mint is used by Tibetan healers to create fees for the treatment of tuberculosis. They also use this type of medicinal plant to treat the organs of the digestive system and for external rubbing or dusting. In traditional medicine, it is recommended to use field mint for use in gastritis with high acidity, liver disease, and intestinal distention. As a powder, mint stops vomiting, nausea goes away.

It has been noted and collected statistical data that if the field mint is used for weight loss, the effect is surprising. By inhaling the mint flavor throughout the day, a person naturally effortlessly cuts their food intake by about 1,800 calories per day. The experiment was carried out in America on a large group of women.

In the photo, lemon mint

This type of mint is called in another way lemon balm, mead, bee mint. The names themselves say that this is an excellent honey plant. Melissa is a cold-resistant plant, but in the northern regions it requires shelter for the winter. Medovka is propagated by seeds, layering, petioles. Since it grows slowly in the first year, they practice growing seedlings. The bush can be from 14 to 125 cm high. The upper parts of the shoots are mostly fragrant.

In thickened plantings in a rainy summer, lemon balm can get sick with fungal diseases. Shoots are cut before flowering, dried in the shade, and used in cooking. The seasoning is prized for its special taste. She combined the aroma of citrus and the freshness of mint. This seasoning makes any dish delicious. There are 8 varieties in culture, which are included in the Rosreestr of the Russian Federation. They differ in leaf color, bush height and winter hardiness. But the main difference will always be the created fragrance and its subtle notes.

Ombalo flea mint in the photo

For a long time, this type of plant has been used as an agent against insects. The difference between this bush is that it is not dominated by menthol - pulegon, limonene. The plant is undersized, no more than 30 cm in height, creeping. Umbalo easily takes root from the stem and resembles creeping thyme. The foliage has dense pubescence, the flowers are collected in a false whorl. The plant is thermophilic, decorative, good honey plant. The same puglegon is also present in other types of mint that repel insects - lemon balm, room mint.

Photo of curly mint

Curly, spiky, garden, meadow, German - these are all one and the same plant. A variety of mint is used for conspiracies for prosperity and protection, helps to endure separation.

This mint has a pungent smell based on linalool ether, but menthol is not in this form. The leaves contain ascorbic acid and dietary supplements. The bush grows 30-100 cm high. This plant propagates, like all other varieties of mint.

Catnip photos

Another name for this plant is catnip. It has a lemon scent and attracts cats. For people in magic, the herb attracts love and courage. The plant is used to create pharmaceutical gardens, rocky compositions. The catnip attracts with its decorative effect and long flowering. The plant loves moderate watering, does not tolerate stagnant water. He has no diseases and pests.

Like all mint, catnip is used in folk medicine. It is used as an anti-inflammatory, tonic and expectorant drug.

Wild mint photos

This type of mint has another name, oregano. Plants are short, perennial. The lower shoots lay down and take root. Therefore, the plant, as it were, covers the ground. The leaves are used both for cooking and for flavoring tea. As a medicinal plant, the plant is used for colds. Oregano repels moths.

The plant is unpretentious, propagated by seeds, dividing rhizomes, cuttings. After three years, the bushes should be replaced, as the yield on older plants decreases. Wild mint is affected by aphids. A soda solution is used to combat the pest.

For storage, shoots with leaves are used, cutting them off above the soil at a height of 6 cm. The dry collection is stored in a tightly closed package for several years.

Menthol mint is a type of peppermint. The difference lies in the higher menthol content. One leaf in a glass of tea makes the taste already excessive. The plant reaches 65 cm in height. In the first year of the growing season, the crop is harvested after 3 months, in subsequent years, simultaneously with the regrowth of the leaves, they are already fragrant, have consumer properties. This type of mint is resistant to diseases and pests. The main species are dark stems and a very pungent aroma.

Indoor plant

There are three types of mint known. The houseplant will adapt to any conditions and benefit from its presence. Among the many types, as indoor, they use:

molar tree;
Scandinavian ivy;

Most of all known and growing as a pot culture of indoor mint. She really secretes phytoncides, which repel not only moths, but also other insects.

The varieties of spicy culture presented in the material do not exhaust the diversity. Many more plants of this species were not included in the description. But they all differ in their useful properties, decorativeness and application in various spheres of human activity.

Video about growing room mint - plectrantus

An ancient Greek legend says that mint is a beautiful nymph Mint turned into a plant. The goddess Persephone, having learned that her husband Aida liked the young beauty, cast a spell on the nymph. Since then, mint has appeared in Crete and elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Where does mint grow today? Unfortunately, this is just a beautiful fairy tale, otherwise the world would have such a variety of fragrant, spicy-aromatic and even medicinal plants, united under a common name - mint. Today, more than 25 species have been discovered belonging to the Yasnotkov family, which have some common features, but also have important differences. What is mint growing in different parts of the world?

If we make a general description for most species, then mint is a herb with straight or lodging stems, depending on the species, from 20 to 150 centimeters. In oval, ovate or elongated leaves about 4–8 cm long, often pubescent, like the stems. In addition, mint is distinguished by a special flower shape, which gave the second name to the entire family - Lipocytes.

Of the total number of existing species, no more than a third is actively cultivated, but fragrant and even ornamental plants, which are its very distant relatives, are sometimes ranked as mint.

The most famous in Russia is meadow mint or Mentha arvensis. This species can be seen as a wild plant in European countries and almost everywhere in our country from its western borders to the Far East. This species is also called noble mint or Lapland mint.

The oil obtained from the culture contains 60 to 92% menthol. Despite this, the taste of meadow mint is mild, which makes it possible to use the leaves and tops of the shoots for culinary and medicinal purposes. The stems of this perennial species grow up to 80 cm in height. Rhizomes, like those of related plants, creeping, powerful. Flowers are pinkish or lilac in color, small, collected on false whorls located along the stem. The flowering time of meadow mint begins in June and ends only in October.

Garden mint: photo and description of the species

Garden mint or Mentha spicata is a perennial herb that does not have such a bright taste as peppermint, but is unmatched in mass production in European plantings. In the wild, the species can be found in the southwest and south of Russia, where mint grows in humid shaded areas.

This variety of mint has an annual tetrahedral stem, reaching a length of about a meter, on which oblong-ovate leaves with pointed tips are located. As you can see in the photo of garden mint, the upper part of the leaf is completely smooth, the smallest hairs are only veins on the back. The height of the plant does not exceed 45 cm, but the width of the bush grows up to 90 cm. Small purple flowers of garden mint, as in the photo, appear in July and fade only at the end of summer.

For culinary purposes, dry and fresh mint leaves are used with a pronounced aroma and a direct, slightly pungent taste.

Curly mint, curly mint or Mentha spicata crispa is a type of garden mint with a specific foliage shape. Although it was possible to find this attractive plant in the wild only in certain regions of Asia, southern Europe and northern Africa, curly mint quickly moved to regions with a temperate climate and is cultivated not only in European countries and Russia, but also on the North American continent.

The height of a perennial plant is from 30 to 100 cm, the stems are powerful, erect, seated with crushed, jagged edges, bright green leaves. The flowers of curly mint differ little from the flowers of closely related species, have a pale pink or white color and are collected in whorled inflorescences.

Moroccan mint or Mentha spicata crispa Moroccan is nothing more than curly mint. The special name is of French origin and refers to the times when Morocco, along with other North African provinces, was a colony of France. Spices, fruits and plants brought from this country seemed outlandish to Europeans.

Moroccan mint, on the other hand, grown in a hotter climate than in the Old World, contained more essential oils and menthol, besides, it had unusual corrugated leaves, and therefore it earned its name.

Mentha rotundifolia or round-leaved mint is called Egyptian, gold and confectionery. Often an interspecific hybrid between long-leaved and fragrant mint is called apple mint. Initially, the species comes from Asia Minor or North Africa.

And in the middle lane and in the south of Europe, in the countries of the Caucasus and in Russia, where mint grows as a garden crop, the plant is valued for its pleasant, refreshing taste, soft aroma.

For culinary purposes, not only young leaves are used, but also the entire green part of the plant. In addition to the usual forms of apple mint with green foliage, variegated varieties have been developed today that combine decorativeness and spicy-taste qualities. Both those and other varieties of apple mint form herbaceous bushes, from 50 to 70 cm high, covered with round or wide ovoid leaves characteristic of the species, on which a thick pile is clearly visible.

The increasingly popular chocolate mint or Mentha piperita citrata Chocolate is a peppermint variation that combines menthol scent with light citrus and chocolate tones.

The impression that mint really has something to do with the favorite delicacy of many maintains the color of the plant, which contains a lot of anthocyanins.

Common in the Mediterranean and the countries of Asia Minor, as well as in a number of European countries, fragrant mint or Mentha suaveolens is a perennial fragrant plant that is used in cooking and medicine. In the wild, the plant prefers sunny, but not dry, edges.

In countries where mint of this species grows, it reaches a height of 30 to 100 cm. Stems are erect, pubescent, covered with heart-shaped medium-sized green leaves. The leaf blades are compressed, with small denticles along the edges. Fragrant mint blooms, forming dense cone-shaped inflorescences, consisting of small white flowers.

Japanese mint: description of the species and photo

Little known to Europeans and shown in the photo, Japanese mint or Mentha japonica is a perennial plant found only on two islands of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido and Honshu.

The places where Japanese mint grows are mainly swampy or humid forests. The height of the plant, which is rare even for the country of the Rising Sun, does not exceed 40 cm, the stems are erect or creeping, the leaves are small, barely reaching 2 cm in length. Small flowers of a white or pale purple hue are collected in sparse inflorescences. The flowering time of Japanese mint, pictured, begins in August and lasts until mid-autumn.

Like other species of the family, the plant contains essential oils and is used for the manufacture of cosmetics, and is also used as a spice and flavoring seasoning.

Forest mint: description and photo

In our country, forest mint or amulets is called a plant belonging to the Yasnotkov family, but which is only a distant relative of the familiar mint. This is common oregano or Origanum vulgare. In Europe, and especially in the countries of the Mediterranean region, the forest mint shown in the photo is known as oregano.

In Russia, where oregano or forest mint grows almost throughout the country in the wild, the culture is used as a medicinal one. In the middle zone of the European part and in Siberia, oregano can be found in floodplain meadows and clearings, in oak forests and along the edges of coniferous forests.

In France, Italy and the USA, wild oregano or oregano is prized as a condiment to vegetable and meat dishes, baked goods and marinades. Therefore, in these regions, herbaceous perennial is actively cultivated. The stems of forest mint begin to branch even above the soil level, growing up to 30 - 70 cm. Oval oval oblong leaves of oregano are dark on top and noticeably lighter on the back. Inflorescences are not whorled or racemose, like in mint, but corymbose, consisting of pinkish or light purple small flowers.

Mexican mint, most of which grows on the North American continent, is included with garden mint in one family and even a group, but has a different name. Botanists and gardeners, this plant is better known as the lofant, the grate or Agastache scrophulariifolia.

This is a spectacular perennial that forms bushes up to one and a half meters high and has a rather strong aroma, which gave rise to the name of the plant Mexican mint.

Lofant is grown in Russian regions as an attractive ornamental crop, an excellent honey plant and a medicinal plant. True, in order for Mexican mint in the European part of the middle zone, in Western Siberia and in the Urals to survive the winter, the culture needs shelter and a guarantee that in the spring the roots of the plant will not end up in the water.

In one place, the multicolor grows well up to 6 years. Today, many varieties have been bred with flowers of all kinds of shades from lilac and deep blue to orange and crimson.

Homemade mint: photo and description of species

If Mexican mint or oregano, not related to the closest relatives of well-known garden varieties, is still used as a medicinal and spicy plant, then homemade mint belonging to the genus Plectranthus is exclusively an ornamental crop.

A large number of plants, native to the tropical zones of Asia, Africa, Australia and South America, claim the right to be called home mint.

Plectrantus are perennials, some of which have found a place in houses as indoor plants, and some are grown as ornamental garden plants. Moreover, among the herbaceous plants, there are also tall shrubs.

Plectranthus fruticosus or shrub plectranthus that grows up to a meter tall is one of the species similar to mint. The shrub consists of superficial creeping roots, pubescent branching shoots, planted with heart-shaped pointed leaves 10 cm long. Rounded teeth are visible on the leaves.

Homemade mint, as in the photo, has lilac fragrant flowers, combined into loose inflorescences at the tops of the shoots.

Or nettles with bright variegated foliage also refer to the same species as in the photo, homemade mint.

Another shrub that reaches a record height of 2.5 meters for the species is called Plectranthus ecklonii. In South Africa, where mint of this exotic variety grows, the plant prefers lighted areas or partial shade. The shrub grows rather slowly, blooms every year, giving lush, loose inflorescences of blue, lilac or white at the ends of the shoots. Such plectrantus can be propagated by layering or cuttings. In Russia, shelter for the winter and pruning of shoots are required so that the growth ripens well in the cold.

Plectranthus of the species Plectranthus oertendahlii is a rather small houseplant whose shoots do not grow longer than 50 cm and have a creeping appearance. The leaves of the house mint shown in the photo have a rounded ovoid shape and an unusual color. The general tone of the foliage is dark green, and the veins are noticeably lighter. The flowers of this culture are white or with a barely visible purple tint, small, collected in apical loose inflorescences.

Plectranthus verticillatus or Plectranthus verticulata has smooth ovoid leaves of a light green color. In this case, the stems and even the leaf stalks are purple or purple. Flowering is accompanied by the appearance of white flowers, decorated with burgundy or lilac specks inside the corolla.

One of the most mint-like Plectranthus species is the Plectranthus madagascariensis variety. A small, up to 1 meter high shrub with creeping or creeping shoots is grown as an ampelous culture and takes root well in the gardens of the European part of the country.

Plectranthus hybrid "Mona Lavender" is an amazingly beautiful hybrid form. As you can see in the photo, the house mint of this species has erect shoots, forming a compact bush, up to 50 cm high. The leaves have jagged notches along the edge. Abundant flowering, very attractive. Separate flowers, like lavender, beautiful lilac shade. Leaves up to 5 cm long have a deep green or even purple color, which is more common on young foliage.

How to grow mint at home - video

Mint is considered an extraordinary plant with a strong aroma. She belongs to the Yasnotkov family. Mint was named after the Greek nymph Minta, who ruled on Mount Mente in the city of Elis. Mint fell in love with the god of the kingdom of the dead Hades, for which he was turned by his wife into a fragrant plant, which was named mint.

In other languages, mint is called:

Mentha spicata - Latin
Gune Minze, Ahrige Minze, Rohmische Minze, Waldminze - German;
spearmint - English;
menthe verte - French

This mint variety has a very strong taste and aroma.

Appearance

Different types of mint may differ in appearance. However, in general, they still have more similarities.

Mint is a perennial plant with a branching creeping rhizome. The stem is straight, branching, shoots spread horizontally. The stem is generally up to half a meter long.

The leaves have short petioles, are located opposite each other in a criss-cross manner, and may be partially covered with hairs. They have an elongated shape, tapering from the base to the top, which ends in a sharpness. The edges of the leaves are serrated.

Flowers are painted in lilac-red tones, accumulate in whorls. Lush inflorescences form in the upper part of the shoot. The flowers themselves are small.

The cups contain mint fruits. The flowering period is from mid-summer (July) to autumn.

In mint, the leaves are covered with hairs and the edges of the leaves are jagged.

Mint blooms in small lilac or white flowers

Kinds

There are over 25 species of mint in the genus. There are also about ten hybrids of various species. The uniqueness of mint is that its different types have completely different content of metabolites. Therefore, each species smells differently, and essential oils, depending on this, differ significantly in composition.

The most famous type of mint is peppermint (Mentha piperita). It is grown both in gardens and on an industrial scale. Most surprisingly, peppermint is a hybrid of Mentha aquatic and Mentha spicata.

All species differ in plant height and leaf length. For example, the leaves of the mint mint (Mentha pulegium) can reach a length of only 1 cm. And the leaves of the long-leaved mint (Mentha longifolia), as is already clear from the name of the species, can reach 15 cm in length.

In long-leaved mint or forest leaves, they reach about 15 centimeters in length.

In general, the following features of different types of mint can be identified:

English green(Mentha spicata v., In German - Grüne Minze, Ahrige Minze, Waldminze, in English - spearmint, in French - menthe verte): has smooth, sometimes slightly curled, elongated leaves. Their color is juicy green, sometimes in dark shades. All veins on the leaves are clearly visible to the eye. Fresh mint is used in sauces and jellies. It is an ideal spice for lamb, minced meat, vegetable and pea dishes.

English mint green is used in cooking, especially confectionery

Greek(Mentha species Dionysos): has a fresh pleasant scent. Leaves are bright green, smooth, with jagged edges. The veins on them are clearly visible. The maximum plant height is 0.8 m, the minimum is 0.3 m. The flowers are painted in bright purple tones. This type of spice is ideal when combined with garlic. This mint is often used in yoghurt sauces for meat or vegetable dishes typical of Greek cuisine.

Greek mint is added to sauces and yoghurts

English pepper(Mentha x piperita "Mitcham"): one of the most varied species. It is a perennial plant, the stems of which have a red tint. The leaves are dark green, smooth, set on short petioles. It has a pungent spicy taste, so it is used to flavor drinks, salads, desserts, and is added as a spice to soup or meat. Especially tasty teas are made with this mint.

English peppermint goes well with tea

Pepper "Nana"(Mentha x piperita var. Piperita "Nana"): similar in aroma to caraway. The flowers are painted in purple tones, reaching a height of half a meter. The leaves are lighter in color compared to other species.

Tea with mint "Nana" will delight you with its aroma

Orange(Mentha x piperita var. Citrata "Orange"): a species with a pronounced citrus aroma and a reduced menthol content. The leaves are round, light green in color with a slight red tint. It is used in the preparation of desserts or fruit cocktails.

Orange mint has a strong citrus flavor

Lemon(Mentha x piperita var. Citrata "Lemon"): Has a sour lemon scent. Like the previous type, it is used in cocktails and desserts.

Lemon mint has a pleasant lemon sourness

Spicate(Mentha spicata, in English - Spearmint): similar in appearance to the well-known peppermint, only it has a non-standard taste of menthol gum. It tolerates cold well.

Spearmint is rich in menthol and has a characteristic menthol flavor

Moroccan(Mentha spicata var. Crispa): Used in the famous Moroccan refreshing tea. Has a sweet smell with pleasant refreshing notes. Used in desserts and sauces. Its leaves are light green, oval and pointed at the top.

Moroccan mint - sweet and refreshing, with a mild flavor

Water(Mentha aquatic): A wild variety of mint. The leaves have denticles at the edges, their shape is oval.

Watermint is a moisture-loving perennial plant.

Curly(Mentha aquatic var. Crispa): its leaves are wavy and rich green, it grows in large quantities. It looks like a thistle, and smells like a cross between camphor and caraway seeds, so it goes well with vegetable and meat dishes.

Curly mint has a tart, spicy taste and goes well with meat dishes

Basilic(Mentha species "Basilmint"): Has a spicy aroma and is often added to vegetable salads, especially tomatoes. The flowers are bright purple, the leaves are green with a red tint. The stem is also red.

Basil mint has a red stem and is added to salads

"Mentuccia"(Mentha species "Mentuccia"): Its leaves are round and small in size. It grows mainly in Italy. The flowers are bright purple. This type is used in the preparation of salads, as well as legumes and vegetable dishes. Its aroma is related to that of cumin.

Mint "Mentuccia" mainly grows in Italy and is actively used for preparing main courses and side dishes

Pineapple(Mentha suaveolens "Variegata"): its leaves are slightly drooping, with a white border around the edges. The plant is of short stature, the flowers are white and pale pink. The leaves have a tart flavor, but they are not very similar to pineapple. This mint is used in drinks, salads, sauces.

Pineapple mint has a characteristic two-tone leaf color

Mountain(Calamintha officinalis): flowers are painted in bright purple tones, the stem has four edges, veins are clearly cut on the leaves. Combines the standard mint scent with camphor notes.

Mountain mint has a mint flavor and beautiful lilac flowers

Roman(Calamintha sp.): Known for being an Italian spice. Its leaves are oval, slightly widening towards the bottom. Grows wild.

Roman mint is widely used in Italy as a condiment for drinks, desserts and other dishes

Korean(Agastache rugosa): grown in the North Asian regions. The leaves are pleasant and delicate to the touch, the flowers are bright purple. Outwardly similar to hyssop, it has a pronounced aroma.

Korean mint grows mainly in the Mediterranean and has a rich menthol flavor

Where does it grow?

Mint is grown not only for personal purposes, but also on an industrial scale. It is cultivated in many countries around the world. Perennial varieties are grown in southern latitudes. In cold and temperate climates - annuals.

At the end of the 19th century, mint began to be cultivated in Russia, where it came from English breeders. Mint plantations appeared closer to the middle of the 20th century. Very often the plant can be found in the middle zone of the country, but it grows throughout the entire territory of the state. Many species are found in Ukraine and Belarus, the Baltic countries.

Since mint loves sunlight, the best varieties are bred in the southern territories. Mint prefers moist, fertile soil, free of sand.

It is most productively grown in the Caucasus, in the Stavropol Territory, and the Crimea. Some species are found in Siberia and the Far Eastern territories.

Mint can grow in both horticultural and wild conditions. Wild mint grows on the banks of rivers and lakes, near swamps, in meadows and fields with sufficient moisture levels.

Blank

As a spice, mint is quite popular due to its pleasant refreshing scent.

In order to obtain a spice, mint leaves are dried immediately after harvesting in a dark place where sunlight does not enter. This allows you to preserve its unique aroma and color.
After that, the leaves are crushed and sealed.
It is better to store it in a place protected from light and in a tightly closing container so that the spice delights with its aroma for a long time.

It is best to hang mint dry in a room with good air circulation.

How and where to choose a spice?

It is best when you make a spice from mint yourself, because the technology here is not at all complicated.

But if you buy it, then consider the following factors:

the packaging of the spice should be opaque so as not to let in the sun's rays;
the packaging must be airtight. If you notice that it has been opened or torn, then it is better to refuse such a purchase;
It's hard to make sure that the correct storage conditions have been followed, but at least pay attention to how the spice is stored in the store.

If you see that the crushed and dried mint is stored in a transparent bag in a bright room where the sun's rays pass in large quantities, then such a spice will not be too fragrant. Most likely, it will even have a faded color. Remember that under the right conditions, the spice will remain as green as fresh mint. Only slight color loss is acceptable.

Dry mint should be green

If you purchased mint in an airtight and tight package, but it did not please with either smell or color, then the manufacturer clearly cheated when preparing. It is better to continue to choose a product from another production.

Peculiarities

It is believed that the most famous representative of the genus - peppermint - historically originated in England. This is not surprising, because there mint is added to many dishes. Its leaves have a pungent flavor. But as a feed for livestock, the plant should not be used at all. A large amount of mint spoils the hay and its nutritional value drops sharply. Milk yield will immediately decrease, and milk with such feeding will curl poorly.

It is believed that mint has the properties of a strong aphrodisiac, therefore in ancient Greece it was forbidden to give dishes with the addition of this spice to warriors.

Specifications

Peppermint has the following characteristics:

grows not only in the wild, but also cultivated by gardeners;
is an official medicinal plant;
grows practically throughout the territory of Russia;
grown on an industrial scale;
has a high content of essential oils, especially in the inflorescences;
is a large honey plant.

Not everyone knows that mint also makes delicious honey. But, unfortunately, not much of the finished product is obtained from this plant.
Peppermint in the wild smells harsh and not very pleasant.

Mint honey is delicious and healthy

Nutritional value and calorie content

Mint has the following nutritional value:

You can find out more information about mint by watching the video from the program "1000 and one Scheherazade spice"

Chemical composition

Peppermint is rich in minerals. The most common type - peppermint has the following chemical components:

Vitamins		Macronutrients		Trace elements
vitamin A (RE)	212 mcg	Calcium	243 mg	Iron	5.08 mg
vitamin B1 (thiamine)	0.082 mg	Magnesium	80 mg	Zinc	1.11 mg
vitamin B2 (riboflavin)	0.266 mg	Sodium	31 mg	Copper	329 μg
vitamin B3 (pantothenic)	0.338 mg	Potassium	569 mg	Manganese	1.176 mg
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.129 mg	Phosphorus	73 mg
vitamin B9 (folic acid)	114 μg
vitamin C	31.8 mg
vitamin PP (niacin equivalent)	1.706 mg

Among the main active ingredients:

essential oils;
flavanoids;
bitter and tannins;
menthol (approximately 60%, depending on the variety).

Hot or cold mint drinks have a pleasant taste and refreshing effect

Beneficial features

The list of beneficial properties of mint is quite extensive:

used in folk and traditional medicine;
is part of many medicines;
is an agent that relieves pain and spasms;
removes excess fluid from the body;
known for its choleretic effect;
her smell saves you from nausea;
calms the nervous system;
gives an anti-inflammatory effect;
helps for hair growth;
neutralizes bad breath;
reduces appetite due to the menthol it contains;
improves brain function;
has a sobering effect;
tones up and strengthens the human body;
used to cleanse the skin.

Medicinal infusions, decoctions, tinctures on water and alcohol are made from mint

Due to its taste and smell, mint is an excellent mouth freshener that also kills harmful bacteria. As a sedative, mint has been used for a long time, it is not for nothing that aromatic herbal teas with it have gained such great popularity and are recommended for consumption at night. Depending on its use, mint can cool and warm the body at the same time.

Mint will help freshen your breath

You can learn more about the beneficial properties of mint from the next video of the program "Living Healthy".

Harm

When consuming mint, the following negative consequences are possible:

overdose heartburn;
loss of sensitivity to plant components.

With an overdose of mint, you can easily lose sensitivity to menthol and other beneficial plant components. For example, if you constantly and in large quantities drink mint tea against insomnia, then over time it will cease to have an effect.

Contraindications

Mint should not be consumed in the following cases:

with allergic reactions;
in the presence of varicose veins;
if you have infertility or problems with conceiving a child;
with increased drowsiness;
with a tendency to heartburn;
at low pressure (mint will lower it even more);
in childhood.

It is better for children to use mint with the permission of a doctor, since there is still no consensus as to the age at which it can be included in the diet. It is also better for pregnant women to consult with a specialist about whether and in what quantities they can consume mint. As for hypotension, the prohibition in this case is not categorical. In small amounts, mint is good for you, but it just shouldn't be overused.

Infusion

Unlike peppermint tincture in pharmacies, you cannot find it, since common mint, with all the variety of useful properties, is inferior to peppermint in this, but it is great for treating some diseases.

But you can prepare an infusion of common mint and use it for diseases of the gallbladder or gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the infusion, mint leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water, let them brew in warmth for 15 minutes, and then take a tablespoon every three hours.

Mint infusion can help cope with mental fatigue

Butter

Peppermint is a real treasure trove of essential oils. They are found in large quantities in mint flowers and leaves. The benefits of essential oil are invaluable.

Peppermint oil helps to tone the nervous system, to recover. Its smell perfectly invigorates and activates mental activity. Peppermint oil is used for colds and loss of voice and has an emollient effect. For blood vessels, it is an excellent antispasmodic. In addition, essential oil is widely used in drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and also has an analgesic effect.

Effectively inhale the scent of peppermint oil when you are sick in transport or just when you get sick.

In aromatherapy, oil is also used to disinfect a room. However, you shouldn't inhale it before bed. Due to the invigorating effect, it will be difficult to fall asleep afterwards.

Peppermint essential oil has been proven to help with painful periods and to increase lactation.

Peppermint essential oil is used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, and even in cooking.

Juice

Mint juice is also a storehouse of vitamins. It is especially good for the gastrointestinal tract, but it also helps recuperate and relieve pain. Very often mint juice is added to baked goods and various drinks.

You can get mint juice even at home:

To do this, fresh mint leaves must be thoroughly washed and chopped in a blender or meat grinder.
Then the leaves must be poured with boiling water, and for 100 g of leaves there is 30 ml of water.
The leaves are infused for several hours, after which the liquid is filtered.
It must be heated and brought to a boil, and then poured into bottles, sterilized and corked.

Prepared mint juice can be used to make delicious mint ice

Application

In cooking

Probably almost everyone loves mint tea. We have devoted an entire article to this tasty, effective and healthy combination. Take on some great recipes.

In world cuisine, mint is a common ingredient.

Its culinary uses apply to many areas:

mint is a fundamental component of oriental cuisine;
fresh mint leaves are often decorated with desserts and other dishes;
mint is used in the food industry as a natural dye;
menthol and peppermint oil often flavor food and drinks;
peppermint oil is actively used in sweet baked goods;
fresh mint leaves are added to meat to spice it up;
mint is added to drinks, especially soft drinks;
mint can be added to salads, fish dishes and vegetable soups;
peppermint increases the shelf life of foods.

Fresh mint leaves wither quickly, so keep them cool. But if mint is added to a dish during the cooking process, then it will lose all its refreshing properties at once, so it must be added when serving the dish.

The refreshing effect of menthol contained in the plant is used in the production of gum and candy, as well as soft drinks. There is nothing like homemade lemonade with fresh mint.

When using the plant in sauces, they acquire a piquancy and a pleasant aftertaste. Mint goes well with almost all products: fruits, vegetables, meat and desserts. Surely everyone knows the famous mint gingerbread: this chopped herb is just added to the dough for them.

Mint will help you to feel the spring freshness of young vegetables, and in such a salad there are only 110 kcal

Peppermint or mint sauce will add tenderness and a fresh taste to the meat.

Mint can be used to make an unusual refreshing mint jam

To keep pickles and homemade canned food longer, mint leaves are also added to them. This is especially true for kvass, which not only acquires an interesting taste, but also lasts much longer in the refrigerator.

In Armenian cuisine, mint is even added to certain types of cheese, and in Central Asia it is used to flavor meat dishes.

It is not necessary to use fresh mint; in dried form, it also occupies a worthy place among the components of spices.

Alcoholic beverages are also flavored with mint.

Surely everyone knows about the famous Mojito cocktail, which immediately loses all its freshness without mint.

You can make a wonderful lemonade according to the following recipe:

you need several large lemons and 2 large grapefruits, 2.5 liters of drinking water, 2 glasses of sugar and about 8 mint leaves;
lemons are thoroughly washed, cut into pieces and chopped in a blender;
syrup is boiled: two glasses of drinking water are boiled with one and a half glasses of sugar until it dissolves completely;
the prepared lemon puree is poured with the above amount of water;
the resulting syrup is added to the drink;
the drink should stand in the refrigerator for 10 hours;
after this time, the drink is filtered, grapefruit juice is added to it;
if desired, you can add half a glass of sugar or more;
the resulting lemonade is poured into a jug, and mint leaves are added to it.

Mint dessert

Mint itself can also be used to make a delicious dessert. For this:

a bunch of mint, 1 protein, 75 g of sugar and the same amount of chocolate are taken;
mint must be rinsed, dried and sorted out: leave larger leaves, smaller ones - you can postpone;
whisk the protein, and the prepared sugar is poured onto a flat plate;
mint leaves are dipped first in protein, and then in sugar;
the leaves are laid out on a separate plate or tray, covered with napkins, and dry within 24 hours;
the chocolate is melted in the microwave;
the candied leaves must be dipped halfway into the melted chocolate and put on a separate plate;
the dessert is removed for an hour in the cold.

Mint and chocolate are the perfect combination

In medicine

In medicine, peppermint tincture is often used. It can be very effective due to its many medicinal properties.

Peppermint is widely recognized as a medicinal plant. It is part of many herbal preparations, since it has a wide range of medicinal properties.

Most often it is used:

to calm the nervous system;
to eliminate rashes, skin irritations;
as a choleretic agent;
to lower the pressure;
with nausea;
for vasodilation;
with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
when coughing;
to restore potency;
in case of poisoning;
as a cough remedy;
with intestinal disorders;
for the treatment of heart disease;
to relieve pain.

With the help of mint, stones are removed from the gallbladder. It is actively used both internally and externally. Since time immemorial, folk medicine has used the leaves or oil of the plant to relieve headaches. Due to its high menthol content, peppermint helps to relieve pain during menstruation in women. For chronic liver diseases, mint infusions are also useful.

Very often, mint is used to treat toothaches or diseases of the oral cavity. It has a disinfecting effect and destroys harmful microorganisms, so it is useful to rinse your mouth with mint broths.

During pregnancy, mint will calm, relieve anxiety and ease toxicosis.

Essential oils and extracts are helpful for colds. Inhalation can be done to relieve coughing. It also helps with nasal congestion.

In cosmetology

Due to its antiseptic effect, mint can effectively fight rashes or irritations on the skin. Manufacturers of cosmetics, knowing about the benefits of the plant, actively use mint extracts in their products.

The plant is known to help tone the skin, but at the same time soothe it and reduce irritation to a minimum. Mint is an effective ingredient in oily skin care products, providing a drying effect and shrinking pores. The herb is also used for rejuvenation, as it smooths the skin and cleanses it of toxins. Mint infusion applied to the skin of the face can easily replace some expensive nourishing cream.

The plant is used in the production of shampoos and hair masks, as mint promotes their rapid growth by stimulating blood circulation, and also prevents dandruff and cares for the scalp.

Mint mask will refresh, rejuvenate and tighten the skin

When losing weight

Mint is actively used in the difficult fight against extra pounds. It is known that the smell and taste of mint significantly reduces appetite, due to the high content of menthol in the plant. Peppermint tea helps reduce hunger and also has overall health benefits.

You can also occasionally inhale the mint flavor to suppress your appetite and thereby reduce your daily calorie intake. If you breathe in peppermint essential oil every few hours during the day, then after a week you can find impressive results. In combination with green tea, mint will also help cleanse the body of toxins.

To prepare a fragrant mint drink for weight loss, take a few leaves of fresh or dried mint and pour a glass of boiling water over them. Within 15 minutes, the broth is infused. Then they filter it and drink a little during the day. This will help you get rid of unhealthy snacks between meals.

In addition, mint removes toxins from the body that lead to cellulite formation. If you add ginger to tea, you can significantly speed up your metabolism. However, you should be careful that excessive consumption of mint tea, and even in combination with ginger, does not lead to heartburn and stomach irritation.

At home

Household use of mint is practically not limited to any areas. It is actively used by:

for the prevention of diseases;
for the treatment of diseases;
as a decoration for dishes;
as a spice or seasoning;
in aromatherapy;
cosmetics;
in perfumery.

Mint is a unique plant that is effective not only in medicine, but also in other areas of human life. The pleasant scent is often used in some perfume compositions, bringing refreshing and invigorating notes to them.

Varieties

Breeders have made great strides in breeding various varieties of mint. Today there are a large number of them not only in Russia, but also abroad. At the same time, the varieties do not have a specific belonging to the species, so it can be assumed that not only the well-known peppermint is the basis for breeding for many varieties.

There are varieties that were obtained back in the Soviet years. However, to this day they do not lose their importance. These include:

"Krasnodarskaya-2": the height of the plants of this variety exceeds a meter, the menthol content in them is below 50%;
"Prilukskaya-6": the variety was bred for a long time. Peppermint reaches a height of one meter and contains approximately 50% menthol. It takes root better in warm regions, as it does not tolerate cold weather;
"Kubanskaya-6": the plants grow up to a meter in height, the menthol content in them is higher than in the previous varieties, however, such mint does not tolerate cold weather;
"Medicinal-4": already based on the name, it has medicinal properties. It can reach a height of more than a meter, and the menthol content in mint is close to 60%;
"Riddle": the variety was bred in Ukraine. Differs in a high content of menthol, the indicator of which is slightly below 65%;
Medicka: in this variety, the menthol content reaches 67%. This type of mint tolerates winter much better than previous varieties.

There are many foreign varieties of mint bred in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and other European countries.

Growing

Growing mint isn't too difficult as it doesn't require much maintenance. Choose the varieties that are most suitable for the intended climate in which the mint will be grown. There are varieties that do not tolerate cold weather, and this must be taken into account. It is advisable to provide maximum sunshine and plant the plant somewhere in an open area.

You can also grow mint at home, in a flower pot. She takes root remarkably, but requires additional feeding. It is better to put it on a window where a large amount of light enters.

You can easily grow mint in a pot

For information on how to grow mint at home on a windowsill, watch the following video.

The soil should be moist, without sandy impurities. Mint propagates by cuttings or seeds. You can sow it straight into the ground. Propagation by cuttings is often used in order to preserve all the useful properties of the variety.

Mint is planted either in mid-spring or in the second half of summer, closer to August. It grows at a high speed, so it is better to somehow protect it from other plants so that it does not survive them.

Fertilizing the plant periodically, but not too often. Watering is needed moderately so that the water does not stagnate. But at the same time, the ground should not be constantly dry.

Mint is susceptible to attack by pests, like many other garden plants. Treatment with harmful chemicals is prohibited, in this case mint will lose its beneficial properties and become unusable. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately plant it away from vegetables or plants, which are often visited by garden pests.

When planting, a certain distance between the plants must be observed - usually at least 0.3 m. Between the rows, the distance can be left more - 0.4 m. At least several times during the summer, the beds must be loosened and cleaned of weeds as often as possible.

Watch the next video of the program "6 acres" - you will learn a lot of interesting things about the cultivation and properties of mint.

Our ancestors believed that regular consumption of mint leads to an extension of life, so the plant was highly revered and actively cultivated.
It has been proven that mint was mentioned in the Bible, and it was also found in the tombs of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Many other historical references boil down to the fact that it was known to man even before our era.
There is a popular belief that a mint leaf in a wallet will attract wealth.
Dream Interpretations say that if you dream of mint, then this means upcoming fun and eventful events.
It is believed that mint originated from the Mediterranean countries, hence the legend of the beautiful nymph Mint. However, so far there is no justification for this, since the British argue with this version.
Many centuries ago, with mint leaves with honey, they beat off the smell of alcohol.
It was believed that if a pillow was stuffed with mint leaves, then only good dreams would be dreamed.
In Jerusalem, once upon a time, mint perfume was made, and the plant was also added as a seasoning to lamb dishes.
Before in Asian countries, no soft drink was complete without mint. And not only refreshing, because mint was even added to milk teas.
Hippocrates spoke about the beneficial properties of mint. He himself used mint infusions to whiten his teeth.
In Italy, mint used to be added to wines. Thus, the drink was refreshing and did not leave an alcoholic aftertaste.
In ancient Rome, mint was considered an activator of mental activity, therefore, wreaths were woven from the stems with leaves, which the Romans put on their heads.
The Slavs even added mint to the cabbage soup. Traditional Russian mint kvass perfectly quenched thirst in hot weather and had a long shelf life.

Peppermint is a perennial plant. This is a hybrid that does not grow wild. Peppermint is cultivated for medicinal purposes, in cooking and cosmetology.

Appearance

The plant's rhizome is horizontal, fibrous, from which several shoots appear in the spring. Stems are straight, tetrahedral and covered with short dark purple hairs. The opposite, rather large leaves are dark green on top and paler on the inside. Their upper part is smooth, and the lower part is slightly pubescent. In shape, the leaves resemble an oval, pointed at the edges. The leaf is about 8 cm long and 3 cm wide.

During the flowering period, small flowers of light purple color appear on the crown of the plant, which are collected in inflorescences. The flowering period lasts about three months (end of June - September).

Peppermint fruit is a dry brownish nut. Peppermint fruits are infrequently formed, since the plant itself is a hybrid of two of its species: garden mint and water mint. Therefore, mint can be propagated by layering and roots.

Plant height can be from 30 to 100 cm.

Kinds

Peppermint comes in black and white. They are distinguished by their appearance: the stems and leaves of black mint are cast in red-purple color. White mint does not have such an overflow, its leaves and stem are green. The smell of white mint is delicate and not as sharp as that of black. And they have different flowering times. Black mint blooms much later.

Where does it grow?

It is almost impossible to find peppermint in the wild. She is known only in culture. Regions where it is cultivated and grown: Ukraine, the foothills of the Caucasus, Belarus, Voronezh region, Central Asia, Moldova.

Peppermint is cultivated in countries with warm and mild climates.

Method for making spices

All the valuable properties of the plant are contained in the leaves and flowers, which have a very strong aroma and refreshing effect. They can be dried in the shade.

Specifications

Peppermint has a spicy and fresh aroma.

Nutritional value and calorie content

100 grams of fresh raw materials contain the following ingredients:

Water (79 g).
Fiber (8 g).
Carbohydrates (15 g).
Proteins (3.8 g).
Fat (0.9 g).
Saturated Fatty Acids (0.2 g).
Trace elements (K - 570 mg, Ca - 243 mg, Mg - 80 mg, P - 75 mg, Na - 30 mg, Fe - 5 mg.
Vitamins (C - 30 mg, B3 - 1.7 mg, B2 - 0.3 mg, B5 - 0.3 mg, B1 - 0.1 mg, B6 - 0.1 mg)

Calorie content - 70 kcal.

You can learn more about the benefits of peppermint from the video excerpt from the program "Living Great!"

Chemical composition

Leaves:

Licoside tropsolin
Sulfur-containing essential oil (2.5 - 3%).
Potassium sulfate.
Phytosterol.
The enzyme myrosin.
Vitamin C.
Sugar.
Starch.
Pectin.
Sorbuzin pigment.

Inflorescences:

Essential oil (up to 6%).

Seeds:

Fatty oil (20%).

Peppermint oil:

Menthol and its esters with acids (acetic and valerian).
Limonene.
Dipenten.
Citral.
Carvon.

Peppermint is rich in micro and macronutrients, saturated fatty acids and essential oils

Beneficial features

Relieves pain syndrome.
Expands blood vessels.
Strong antibiotic.
It has tonic properties.
Choleretic and diuretic.
Depressant.

Peppermint is actively used in medicinal preparations and recipes for traditional medicine

Harm

Too often, peppermint should not be consumed, as it can cause heartburn or cause addiction to the body, and it will be immune to its beneficial effects. If you drink peppermint tea for a long time with insomnia, then it will cease to work.
Reduces blood pressure.
Do not use for children, as it can provoke allergies.
Peppermint tea lowers sex drive in men.

Contraindications

Individual intolerance to the constituents of the plant, allergies.
Children under 3 years old.
Sleepy state.
Hypotension.
Inhalation in large doses is dangerous.
Do not use an infusion of too high a concentration.
Lactation period.

Butter

The raw materials for peppermint oil are harvested only once a year during the full bloom of the plant. This is the life time of the peppermint that is most favorable, and the oil is obtained of the highest quality.

Flowers and leaves serve as a material for obtaining the highest grade oil, and the stems for the lowest grade. Water or steam distillation is a way of producing oil. Dried plant or fresh plant is used. The oil is purified by rectification. Thus, volatile sulfur compounds are removed from its composition. The oil needs aging. This will give it a unique delicate aroma that freshly prepared butter does not possess. The oil has a light yellowish-greenish color. It dissolves easily in alcohol. Its aroma is quite strong. The oil is hot and light on the taste.

It is necessary to store the oil in a dark place, as light and air do not affect it in the most positive way: it can darken and thicken.