Mint is a fresh and flavorful way to add some extra depth to any dish. It has a cool and refreshing taste that can enhance both savory and sweet dishes.
It can really bring a unique and invigorating taste to the table.
The aromatic herb is commonly used in Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Its versatility and distinct flavor make it a beloved herb in the culinary world and an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their cooking.
How To Buy Fresh Mint
Depending on how your market sells mint, in bunches with a rubber band or in a plastic clam shell, you want to make sure all the leaves and stems are bright green in color.
Ensure that there are no black or brown spots and that the leaves are not wilted. Mint should have a strong, refreshing aroma.
If buying them in the clam shell, make sure there is no excess moisture in the container which can lead to the mint molding faster.
How To Store Fresh Mint
Trim the end of the stems and cut off any leaves that are close to the ends.
This is important so they don’t get submerged in water, which makes the mint spoil quicker.
This also gives the stems more room to soak up the water, which increases its shelf life.
Place mint stems into a large Mason jar and add enough water to cover the cut ends.
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and keep in the refrigerator. Change water every 2-3 days to help maintain freshness of mint.
Another method is wrapping the mint leaves with a paper towel and place into a large ziplock bag.
Change paper towel each time you need mint, if you see the towel is damp.
Both methods should give you about 14 days of fresh mint.
Cooking With Mint
Mint, fresh or dried adds a refreshing element to whatever recipe it is used in. Either cooked or uncooked preparations both savory and sweet.
Good To Know
6 Medium Whole Mint Leaves Equal 1 Tablespoon or 1 Teaspoon Chopped
1 Teaspoon Dried Mint Is The Exchange For 1 Tablespoon Fresh Mint (3 Teaspoons)
Dried Mint Should Be Used Within 6 Months – Past That, It Can Lose Its Potency
An Alternative To Using Mint Can Be Parsley Or Basil In Equal Amounts.
Adding mint fresh or dried to vinaigrettes and dressings is a great way to add a refreshing and delicious twist to your salads.
Mint has a bright and fresh flavor that pairs well with the tanginess of vinaigrettes and the creaminess of dressings.
The cool and crisp taste can balance out the acidity of the vinaigrette, creating a well-rounded and balanced flavor.
In addition to using in vinaigrettes, mint pairs well with vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, spices and herbs.
Vegetables
Some popular vegetable options include peas, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes (though sold, bought and used in recipes as a vegetable, a tomato is a fruit).
Fruits
Popular fruits options include watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, lemon and limes among others.
Meat
With its refreshing and cool taste, mint complements the richness and heartiness of meat dishes.
Grilling Hamburger Patties With Added Chopped Greens Including Mint
Adding it to soups or stews containing meat like chicken or adding it to ground beef or chicken, adds a burst of freshness and depth to the dish.
Grains
Its refreshing and cooling flavor is a perfect complement to the heartiness of grains, adding a bright and herbaceous note to dishes like quinoa, bulgur, and rice.
Mint also has a natural affinity for grains like couscous and farro, enhancing their earthy flavors and providing a balance to their nutty textures.
Herbs & Spices
Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, thyme and tarragon have a natural affinity with mint and complement its flavor profile perfectly.
Cumin, coriander, and fennel, add depth and complexity to the flavor of mint. And cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom add warmth and sweetness to its earthy flavor.
In Conclusion
Whether used as a garnish or incorporated into the dish itself, mint adds a unique and delicious element to a recipe it is used in.
Its ability to enhance the flavor of other foods makes it a valuable ingredient in both savory and sweet recipes.
With its versatility and delicious taste, it’s no wonder why culinary mint is a staple in many kitchens.
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- Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Chickpeas with Feta, Pomegranate And Maple Tahini
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We planted mint years ago and it spread like a wildfire. Unfortunately I didn’t plant it in a container. It spread into the grass and every time my husband cut the grass you smelled it. Lol
Ya it smells good. I didn’t plant mint either, my neighbor’s mint did me the favor. I stopped years ago pulling it up. I do like your husband, now it and weed wake it 🤪🤣😂