Mint like other herbs has many uses both in the garden and in the kitchen. When it comes to making dishes tastier, mint is one of the indispensable ingredients. There are three main reasons to grow mint in your garden for your house. For eating, for drinking, and for promoting diversity in the garden.
And in the post today, we are so glad to share the 16 best uses of mint that you should grow in the garden. Whether you keep it for fresh mint ice cream, refreshing mint lemonade, or to attract more pollinating insects to your garden, they will work well all. So, if your garden hasn’t planted them yet, let’s give it a living space. They are easy to grow and don’t need to require any effort. They can thrive in the garden or potted in containers, as there are ways to limit their unlimited growth. In its abundance, you are sure to find your own reasons for letting mint thrive in your garden.
#1 Basil Mint Pesto
If you happen to grow a ton of basil, chances are good that you are already a fan of pesto. Have you ever stopped to consider what that might taste like if you added half a cup of mint leaves and chopped walnuts to the mix? Try one!
#2 Coriander-mint Chutney
It takes fresh mint leaves, fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), green chilies, ginger, cumin powder, and black salt. Fresh lemon juice is optional, and if you happen not to have black salt, any salt will do. Blend all ingredients to a smooth paste, then serve with your favorite Indian foods.
#3 Mint Sauce
Mint sauce is a part of a traditional roast. It is extremely easy to make, contains few ingredients (fresh mint leaves, white wine vinegar, and sugar), and perfectly complements roast lamb.
#4 Fresh Mint Ice Cream
Here is another, sweeter suggestion for using up some garden mint – mint ice cream. With an ice cream maker and all the ingredients to make it happen, you can sit in your own little minty world as you eat spoonful after delicious spoonful of creamy goodness.
#5 Chocolate-dipped Mint Leaves
A really special way to indulge in fresh mint leaves is when they are dipped in chocolate – the darker, the better. Eat them straight up, as is, or serve them as a garnish with fruit salads or vanilla ice cream.
#6 Mint Added to Salads
Add mint to a spring salad with walnuts and Parmesan, or toss some mint leaves in a cucumber salad with onions and white wine vinegar. It also goes down well in a watermelon feta salad.
#7 Mint in Yogurts
Whether you are adding a few fresh leaves of mint to your morning yogurt, or to a cooling yogurt mint sauce, it is a great dish.
#8 Mint Tea
Mint tea can be made with either fresh or dry leaves. For 4 cups of fresh mint tea, two sprigs are usually enough to really feel the minty flavor. For those of you who love to count, that is about 22-34 leaves.
#9 Mint Lemonade
Mint pairs beautifully with lemon. You’ll want to be aware that when searching for a mouthwatering lemonade recipe, that sugar is often a big part of it. It helps to balance out the acidity of the lemons. Go for a low-sugar option and quench your thirst with a glass of lemonade that is truly refreshing, not just sweet.
#10 Mint Smoothies
Another way to graciously enjoy your overabundance of mint is to blend it in a smoothie. For breakfast, after lunch, or an afternoon snack.