This week’s battle for the next featured ingredient was not much of a battle at all!
1. Rosemary
2. Mint
3. Thyme
The winner, by a landslide, is….
Mint… Another flavorful Featured Ingredient! I try not to play favorites when it comes to our featured ingredients, because it’s y’all who choose them, not me. But, I have to say, I’m pumped that y’all chose mint. Not only is mint delicious, with its sweet, cooling, and refreshing taste, but it’s also underutilized, in my opinion.
What is Mint?
Coming from a small flowering plant, mint, also known as Mentha, is a fragrant herb in the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The flowers vary in color and can be invasive in gardens. There are many different types of mint, but some of the most common types that are used (especially in culinary applications) include spearmint and peppermint.
Many Uses of Mint
From mojitos to mint chocolate chip ice cream, mint has tons of uses, in all kinds of food and beverage applications.
Besides being just another delicious herb, mint has several health benefits as well. According to health line, mint relieves indigestion, is rich in nutrients, improves brain function, masks bad breath, etc.
Mint has many uses, such as toothpaste, chewing gum, breath mints, and tea, to name a few.
Where does Mint Come From?
Mint is native to Eurasia. After being introduced to other areas, it now grows in temperate regions worldwide, including most of the United States.