Monday, February 07, 2005
Mint
Although the genus Mentha contains only about 20 distinct species, due to easy and extensive cross-breeding, there are hundreds of known variations. The common characteristic of all these mints is the presence of the volatile oil menthol which gives mint its characteristic cool, fresh taste.
Mint is indigenous to the Mediterranean, the Middle East and western Asia. Spearmint (M. spicata) is found in much of the native cuisine of these regions, from Greek yogurt-mint sauce to Middle Eastern tabbouleh to sweet Arabic teas. Peppermint (M. x piperita), is a cross between spearmint and M. aquatica and was first cultivated in England in the 18th century. Known for its intense flavor, peppermint is in wide commercial production, primarily for its essential oil which is used as a flavor additive in products such as toothpaste, chewing gum and candy. Mint has also been used and celebrated for its traditional medicinal value in treating stomach and bowel pain, nausea, flatulence and for supporting the function of the gall bladder.
By far the best use of mint is in the Cuban rum-based cocktail, the mojito.
Although the genus Mentha contains only about 20 distinct species, due to easy and extensive cross-breeding, there are hundreds of known variations. The common characteristic of all these mints is the presence of the volatile oil menthol which gives mint its characteristic cool, fresh taste.
Mint is indigenous to the Mediterranean, the Middle East and western Asia. Spearmint (M. spicata) is found in much of the native cuisine of these regions, from Greek yogurt-mint sauce to Middle Eastern tabbouleh to sweet Arabic teas. Peppermint (M. x piperita), is a cross between spearmint and M. aquatica and was first cultivated in England in the 18th century. Known for its intense flavor, peppermint is in wide commercial production, primarily for its essential oil which is used as a flavor additive in products such as toothpaste, chewing gum and candy. Mint has also been used and celebrated for its traditional medicinal value in treating stomach and bowel pain, nausea, flatulence and for supporting the function of the gall bladder.
By far the best use of mint is in the Cuban rum-based cocktail, the mojito.
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