Name derives from the nymph Menthe, who was turned into a plant by the goddess Perserpina when she found out that Pluto was in love with her. Greeks used to clean their banqueting tables and added to their baths to stimulate their bodies. Romans used it in sauces, as an aid to digestion and as a mouth freshener. Romans brought mint to Britain. Used by monks in medieval times for its culinary and medicinal properties. Most likely taken by the Pilgrim Fathers to America
Selecting:
Whenever possible, choose fresh mint over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh mint should look vibrant and be a rich green color. They should be free from dark spots or yellowing.
Storage:
To store fresh mint leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside of a loosely closed plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator, where it should keep fresh for several days. Dried mint should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place, where it will keep fresh for about nine to twelve months. Availability: |
