Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Mint: A Welcome Guest at Your Table

By KC Kudra

Mint can surprise you; you may be in the garden and suddenly detect its sharp aroma. You may grow mint in your garden or buy it when a recipe calls for it. You may even have it growing wild in your yard. However you get mint, this is an herb, which can add an unexpected, yet welcome flavor to many dishes - and it is healthy too!

Mint does grow wild in many places; in fact, it is even considered in invasive weed by some. If you are growing it yourself, be careful where you plant it. Mint can crowd out other plants quite easily if you let it.

Mint prefers cool, shady areas with ample moisture, but can do well in full sun as well. Just one mint plant is probably enough to provide your entire household with mint - these plants are hardy and grow incredibly quick.

You can use mint leaves either fresh or dried and shows up in dishes from all over the world. Using fresh mint will give you the strongest mint flavor, with a cool, slightly sweet aftertaste from the herb.

Mint can bring out the savor of meat particularly lamb. Mint is a common herb for mint dishes in the Middle East and in the UK and USA; mint jelly is often served along with lamb dishes.

Mint is used widely in Thai cooking as well. You may find a few mint leaves scattered across a bowl of spicy soups such as tom ka or served alongside noodle dishes as a condiment. Using mint can add structure to dishes, which would be cloying otherwise. Though not a terribly common herb in Indian cooking, they can add a welcome note of freshness to heavier dishes such as curries and soups like kahri.

Mint is a great herb to have, whether you go out and collect it, grow it in a window box or simply buy it from the store, you will find that once you start using mint as a garnish, that you will see plenty of places that you can add it. Think seriously about the taste of mint and think about what foods can be accentuated by it!

As you already know, mint is a natural for desserts. Try out some of the many different mint varieties available at larger produce markets and farmer's markets; for example, chocolate mint makes a great addition to a chocolate jell-o mouse. The fresh mint adds a little extra pep and refreshment to this classic dessert. A sprig of mint is also fantastic with lemon jell-o and makes a wonderful garnish to a variety of entrees and desserts.

In addition, of course, there is nothing as refreshing on a hot day as a frosty cold glass of iced tea with a fresh mint sprig. Just a light rub of the mint leaf with your fingers will release its powerful aroma and flavor. Mint is much more versatile than you may think - try adding it to your menus today! - 15359

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