It is important to realize that not all true mints (Mentha) smell and taste like the familiar peppermint or spearmint . Some of them, like pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), smell more of caraway and are commonly used as insect or mouse repellants.
Mints are actually bitter and tongue numbing when tasted on their own! They smell a lot better than they taste, in my opinion. Experienced bartenders suggest that if you leave your freshly muddled leaves in the drink too long, it gets very bitter.
Is it safe to eat mint leaves?
Though mint is a widely used herb, it is safe only when consumed in small amount and for a short duration . Mint leaves are used in preparing mint tea, one of the most popular herbal teas consumed worldwide. It has been used for several years due to its various health benefits.
Let’s get one thing straight: mint is not a gross flavor! It’s useful for gum and toothpaste and mouthwash and anything else that is used to freshen your breath. But as a dessert? GIRL, YOU CRAZY . ADDITIONALLY, why ruin not one but TWO perfectly good sweets (ice cream and chocolate) by including mint? It’s absolutely LUDICROUS.
Although, well-known for its high medicinal value and rich flavor, mint if consumed in excessive quantities, may cause mild to severe health problems . Are you amazed to hear that mint, a popular herb used in almost every type of cuisine around the world has certain adverse health effects? Well, it is right.
What are the different types of mint leaves?
Mint leaves can refer to any plant in the Mentha genus, but the term is most often used to refer to peppermint and spearmint, the two most common types of mint plant.
The fresh leaves have the most flavor and scent, with those much reduced in dried mint leaves. Fresh mint leaves are usually cut in ribbons (chiffonade) and added to recipes. A stalk with a few tender leaves is placed in a hot or cold beverage and may be crushed (muddled) to release more flavor.
What is the difference between mint and peppermint?
Taste Mint tastes sweet and produces a lingering cool effect on the tongue. Peppermint has a stronger flavor with more menthol taste . The fresh leaves have the most flavor and scent, with those much reduced in dried mint leaves.