EDIBLES

June’s gloom is surely in the past, right? Thinking positively, the months ahead will offer up many sunny days suitable for lounging on the deck or patio, with a cool and refreshing mint mojito or julep in hand. If you enjoy creating these beverages — as well as other mint-based recipes — at home, it’s easy to grow your own patch of mint to have at-the-ready.

The ultimate type of mint for cool-season cocktails is reputed to be ‘Kentucky Colonel’ spearmint, but other types of spearmint will also suffice. There’s even a variety on our shelves called ‘Mojito Mint’.

Of course, there are many other types of mint available that can be used to make mint jelly and hot tea, or be put into salads and desserts. Try mint mixed with yogurt and sliced cucumbers, or chopped into a tuna salad with lime vinaigrette. Don’t these two dishes sound refreshing?

‘Berries and Cream’ is an interesting new mint variety, said by the grower to have a "light, sweet berry flavor mixed with a hint of peppermint thrown in." We also have fuzzy-leafed apple mint, and variegated-leafed pineapple mint. Orange mint has a decidedly citrusy scent, and chocolate mint tastes and smells like a peppermint patty. The variety Moroccan mint, for those who’ve had the good fortune to travel to this exotic country, will remind you of the bottomless glasses of delicious hot, sugary tea served at every turn.

Mint is easy to grow — in fact, it has a reputation for being invasive. I grow mint alongside my other herbs, but I diligently cull the creeping stalks each spring. If this meticulousness doesn’t sound like your cup of (mint?) tea, you’ll want to grow your mint in a restricted space or container. Plant your mint in full to partial sun, in moist and rich soil. Potting soil plus a little compost works well for pots. Fertilize your plants regularly.

Mint can be used fresh or dried — dried mint has a stronger flavor. To dry your mint, harvest the stalks before flowering, bundle and hang upside-down. Store the dried mint in a container or plastic bag, and you’re set for the winter!

Planning the Home Orchard

Raspberries

Planting a new vegetable garden

Best tomatoes

Edibles

Organic Gardening

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