Many species of mint !
Mint is the most consumed aromatic plant in the world and there are many species, among them we find spearmint which remains the best known species of mint in the world.
Did you know that some species have been the subject of a lot of hybridization?
Like peppermint, one of the most famous mint varieties. It is the result of hybridization between Spearmint and Watermint, and is the species most frequently used in herbal medicine.
But like many other plant species, some species of mint are in danger of extinction, such as the Deer Mint, which is found mainly in France and Spain, and is on the red list of endangered species. The deer mint grows mainly in wetlands, a habitat weakened and threatened by global warming.
Of the many species of mint, we also find the Mint Pouliot, a wild species that can be found in France. It is known since the European antiquity as a medicinal plant. Today, it is listed among the toxic species, its consumption is therefore not recommended, because of a chemical compound: pulegone, highly hepatotoxic, ie, which causes damage to the liver.
Farm3 mints !
Spearmint, pineapple, or peppermint, species that Farm3 grows in its cubes, we will make you discover them.
• Spearmint
Native to the Near East and southern Europe, Spearmint is mainly used in the food industry, especially for the manufacture of toothpaste, chocolate, ice cream or as a lotion or liqueur. It is also known to treat digestive disorders and colds.
• Peppermint
Issued from a cross between Spearmint and Watermint, it is the most used species in phytotherapy, its essential oil is the most famous for its antiseptic properties. It is also the species most used in our kitchens.
• Ice Mint
Also known as Mint ricqles, it is native to the rocky mountains of the eastern United States. It is a melliferous plant, which means that it attracts many pollinators. People in North America have used it for thousands of years as a drink and medicinal plant.
• Mint pineapple
This mint has a pleasant pineapple flavor, as its name suggests. It is native to the Middle East, and like the other species of mint, this one is known to relieve stomach aches.
Origin and history
Native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and America, it has many species, subspecies, natural hybrids and cultivars, i.e. a plant species obtained artificially to be cultivated.
It is cultivated since antiquity for its pharmaceutical virtues, it was used to make medicinal drinks or as a flavoring for wines and dishes.
The ancient Egyptians invented a special solution for dental health and bad mouth odor, a mixture of crushed mint paste. Traces of honey and mint-based sweets have also been found. Indeed, mint is one of the most used plants in the field of confectionery. In 1780, the Altoids brand of pastilles launched the peppermint flavour to relieve gastric indigestion problems. The Wrigley company launched the first flavored chewing gum in 1893.
Today, mint is present in all kinds of sweets.
Are you interested in anecdotes about mint? We invite you to listen to this short interview with Alain Baraton on @FranceInter.
Medicinal Point
Mint contains vitamin K, iron and manganese. Mint contains menthol, a known substance to stimulate digestion and reduce the feeling of fatigue.
Infusion is the best way to enjoy the benefits of mint. However, even the raw leaves contain rosemary acid, a substance that helps fight diseases related to aging.
Some recipes !
Mint is part of the condiment plants, it will flavour your starters, dishes, drinks and desserts.
• Ice Mint Syrup
Total time: 20min + 1 night of infusion
Ingredients: - 1 bunch of Ice Mint
- 1 liter of water
- 1 kilo of white sugar
- Step 1
Start by washing the ice mint leaves in cold water.
Place the leaves in a large pot and add 1 liter of boiling water.
- Step 2
Leave to infuse overnight in a cool place.
- Step 3
Remove the mint leaves and add the sugar.
- Step 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, you need to reach 102 degrees (with a sugar thermometer) or your mixture will bubble up.
- Step 5
Let the mixture cools down and then pour it into a bottle. Keep the syrup in a cool place.
• Little extra !
-You can add food coloring to get that green color of industrial syrup.
-For more flavor and according to your taste, you can also add a few drops of mint extract.
-You can also freeze your ice mint syrup diluted with water to make popsicles.
• Spearmint and cucumber soup
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: - 1 cucumber
- 200g of plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- a few leaves of
spearmint
- salt and pepper
- Step 1
Peel and seed the cucumber, then place in a blender with the yogurt.
Blend a first time.
- Step 2
Add the mint and the lemon.
Add salt and pepper to taste and blend one last time.
Have a good meal!
• Little extra !
You can add a small glass of water if the texture of the soup does not suit you.
• Chocolate and mint brownies
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: - 1 cucumber
- 200g of dark chocolate
- 1 bunch of mint pineapple or pepper according to your taste
- 90g of butter
- 2 eggs
- 100g of flour
- 75g sugar
- 1cc of baking powder
- Step 1
Warm up your oven to 180°C.
Melt the chocolate with the butter in a bain-marie.
- Step 2
Beat the eggs with the sugar in a bowl.
Then add the butter/chocolate mixture and mix.
- Step 3
Add the flour with the yeast and mix to obtain a homogeneous paste.
Add the chopped fresh mint and mix.
- Step 4
Butter the pan and pour the dough.
Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
Let cool before unmolding.
Enjoy your meal!
• Little extra !
You can add lemon peels for extra freshness.
Share your recipe photos !
• You can buy Farm3 basil at the Boutique du Tillau in Pontarlier. Or come and taste them during one of our visits ! Our basilics are grown on site and are optimized to bring out their natural flavors.
