August 15, 2011
I love cooking with fresh mint. Lately, I’ve noticed more and more recipes that call for it, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’ve been to my house, you probably already know I grow my mint in a big pot outside my kitchen for easy access. You’ve probably watched me jog outside, scissors in hand (please don’t call the safety police) calling out over my shoulder, “anyone want some mint tea?” The impromptu mint tea party is just one of many fantastic reasons to grow fresh mint.
If you decide to plant mint, I think it’s worth it to look for peppermint over spearmint. It may be a bit harder to find, but I find peppermint less medicinal and much more flavorful. Basically, it’s like the difference between Trident Blue and Trident Green. As with most things, it’s totally a matter of preference, but for now, I’m firmly on Team Blue.
Team Green?
Or Team Blue?
Incase you’re not sure how to tell the difference between the two plants (honestly, I didn’t know until I started growing it), spearmint leaves are lighter in color and have deeper ridges. Peppermint is more of a bluish color and has more rounded leaves.
Spearmint Peppermint
Whether you grow spearmint or peppermint, mint can be a beast to grow. Not because it’s delicate or dies out easily, but because it completely takes over. Seriously, this stuff propagates like a couple of wild rabbits. I combat this by keeping mine contained in a pot so it doesn’t have the chance to take over my garden— unlike the actual wild rabbits who think my garden is their own personal bunny farmers market!
