Mint Delivery or Pickup

Mint is a fragrant perennial herb in the Mentha Requienii family. Mint is often used as a greeting and form of hospitality. In ancient Greece, mint was rubbed on tables to freshen them before guests arrived for a meal. In Middle Eastern countries, mint tea is served as a welcome when guests arrive.

Mint is grown around the world in temperate climates, and the fresh green leaves are generally picked in late spring or summer when they're most fragrant and tender. There are two main varieties of mint: spearmint and peppermint. Spearmint is often used as an herb to add to salads such as tabbouleh or made into a refreshing beverage. Peppermint has a stronger flavor profile and is best used for making tea, essential oils, or used as a flavoring in oral care products. Sub-varieties of mint include spicy chocolate mint, apple mint, orange mint, and Japanese mint.

One of the main characteristics of mint is its warm, sweet, aromatic fragrance. When consumed, mint has a cool aftertaste that leaves a refreshing zing in the mouth. Mint likes to grow in moist soils with partial shade and in relatively cool climates. The roots of the mint plant grow runners under the soil and are often invasive in the garden if left unchecked.

When you're looking to buy fresh mint, peppermint will have purplish stems and dark pointed leaves. The aroma will smell distinctly like menthol. Fresh spearmint has light green spiky leaves with a ruffled appearance. Spearmint has a sweeter fragrance and flavor than peppermint. Whether you're buying fresh peppermint or spearmint, look for leaves that are free of black spots, mold, or ones that appear wilted. Fresh mint will have perky leaves that stand upright, and the fragrance will be quite notable. When you place the stalks of fresh mint in a glass of water, either on the counter or in the refrigerator, they'll last for five to seven days.

When buying dried mint for teas or to make into essential oils, be sure the dried leaves are not crumbled into dust, and when you smell them, they have a sweet menthol aroma. Store dried mint in a dark container in a cool place, and the leaves will last for up to a year.

Mint jelly served with lamb is a favorite Middle Eastern dish. Top rack of lamb or leg of lamb with mint jelly for a fragrant meal. Snip bits of fresh spearmint into tabbouleh salad, made with bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. Make a cooling yogurt and fresh mint dish when eating spicy curry or Indian food. When you have fresh spring peas, add butter and mint to the dish to spice the peas up.

Use fresh spearmint to make mojitos with white rum and muddled sugar, make hot or iced tea with a combination of fresh or dried peppermint and spearmint, or make a classic mint julep when watching the Kentucky Derby horse race.