Mint

It was Mint to be.  You can learn more about the benefits of mint and how to make mint infused water below.

In the Past

The herb mint has had a bitter sweet past. Greek Mythology tells a story of the God of the Underworld.  Hades and Minthe were attracted to each other and having an affair. When Persephone, Hades wife, found out she was angry to say the least. Persephone took her revenge by turning minthe into a plant, to be crushed under foot.

Hades could not undo this transformation of Minthe but myth states that he made it so the plant would give off a sweet scent so he could be reminded of her when he smelled this plants aroma.

In addition the Greeks also used mint for herbal treatments and temple rituals. It also became a symbol of hospitality because of another Greek myth where they used mint to clean and freshen the table, by rubbing mint leaves onto its surface.  The Romans on the other hand used mint in crowns that they placed upon heads of royalty. A Roman herb scholar said this of mint, “The very smell reanimates the spirit.”

In the Bible it states that the Scribes and Pharisees used mint to pay tithes to the church.

At the Table

Working in the kitchen, mint can be used for such a variety of dishes. The more popular dishes include lamb, peas, mint jelly, and of course candy and chocolates.

Other Uses

Mint is still used as a medicinal remedy for multiple conditions. Some of these conditions are colic, stomach aches, and aid in digestion.

Some of the remedies that in can be used in are Tea, herbal bath (for fragrance and to relieve swelling), and infused water.

This recipe below is a little fancier than just mint infused, but has a wonderful taste. I hope you enjoy! If herbs interest you check out these other posts.

Mint Infused Water

Prep time 10 min | Total Time 10 min 

Ingredients 

• 2 sprigs of Mint
• 1 cucumber
• 3 limes 
• 5 strawberries 
• ¾ gallon of water 
• Ice

Instructions 

1. Slice cucumber. 
2. Quarter the strawberries and limes. 
3. Crush mint slightly. 
4. Add all ingredients into a pitcher. 
5. Add water and ice.

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Alpenwild

An avid hiker and culinary explorer, Elain is passionate about the food of the Alps. She's started a cooking school, ran a catering company, was a professional food stylist, and was featured on live television cooking segments. Now she’s kept busy with private groups who want a custom tour in the Alps that pairs majestic outdoor settings with top Swiss cuisine.

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