With the wild weather we’ve had so far this summer, it’s been a weird year in my garden. Except that I’ve enjoyed one victory that I’ve never before been able to accomplish–the pot of mint I started in the spring has transformed into a full-fledged flourishing, fragrant plant!
To celebrate my herbaceous victory (strange, isn’t it, how most gardeners have at least one thing that they’re just not good at? For me it’s always been herbs) and Foodie Friday in one shot, here are 3 ways to use fresh mint for better health, good eating, and summer joy.
There’s nothing like the scent that wafts up when boiling water
hits just-picked mint leaves. It will refresh and relax you
simultaneously, a rare quality in any plant. Save the left-overs to pour
over ice, and you’re officially sipping the spirit of summer. A heathy
aside – mint relaxes digestive tract muscles and relieves cramping, so
it’s even more yummy for your tummy.
If summer sandals have done a number on your tootsies, try this
minty foot scrub recipe from Health.com: Combine 1 cup sea salt, 1/3 cup
olive oil, and 6 drops peppermint essential oil. Scrub feet, then
rinse. The salt exfoliates, and mint’s menthol soothes sore muscles.3.Make It Savory
In places from Morocco to Thailand, mint enlivens savory dishes
with its bracing, fresh bite. One of my favorite savory mint uses,
inspired by the fabulous Elephant Walk restaurant, is to wrap a piping
hot spring roll in a large lettuce leaf, tucking in a few sprigs of mint
and basil. The cool crunch of the green stuff against the salty, hot
goodness of the spring roll is a serious experience indeed.
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