Is there anything fresher than mint? Not only is it the toothpaste flavour of choice, but the green goodness has all kinds of wonderful medicinal, nutritional and flavourful benefits to add to your life. And us tinyFamers can really appreciate how easy it is to plant indoors and enjoy year-round!
Mint Basics
You know mint when you see, smell, but especially when you taste it. This plant can grow like a weed when not attended to properly in a garden – so you’re best to stick it in it’s own container. But not all mint comes the same! There are plenty of varieties including:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Applemint
- Orangemint
- Grapefruitmint
- Catmint
- Basil mint
Where does it come from?
Like a lot of our favorite greens, Mint comes from the Mediterranean and Asian regions. In Greek Mythology, the river nymph Minthe attracted Hades attention, and Hades’ jealous wife Persephone then turned Minthe into a plant. When Hades couldn’t make Minthe into a nymph again, he instead gave her the minty aroma we love today. Too bad for Minthe, but good news for our tastebuds!
Now you can find mint year-round all over the world, especially in the summer months.
Why it’s Good for You?
Who says flavour can’t be good for you? Just like a lot of other greens, mint is packed full of the essential nutrients your body needs. Mint was originally used medicinally for stomach and chest pains, but can also be used as an effective treatment against indigestion, heartburn and the common cold!
|
Vitamin/Mineral |
%DV |
|
Vitamin A |
84% |
|
Vitamin C |
52% |
|
Magnesium |
20% |
|
Calcium |
24% |
Per 100 g of mitn.
Vitamins in Mint:
- Vitamin A: If it’s green, it’s probably got some A. Vitamin A Helps with eye and vision development, but also assists in creating strong bones, skin and immune systems.
- Vitamin C: A natural antioxidant, also necessary for function and production of blood vessels and connective tissue.
Minerals in Mint:
- Calcium: About 99% of the body’s calcium is used in our bones and teeth. So only worry about getting enough calcium if you plan on using your bones and teeth. And contrary to what the milk industry will tell you, it’s very possible to get calcium from other sources.
- Magnesium: it’s a multi-tasking mineral that helps with nerve, blood, DNA and bone function. It’s a very commonly used off-the-shelf supplement. Generally teenage girls, and men over 70 are deficient in magnesium.
Growing Tips:
- Ideal Method: Mint out in the garden can take over the rest of your plants. These babies do just as well in a plant, separate from the rest of your veggies.
- Ideal Temperature: Anywhere 60-75 degrees F during the day an 55-60 degrees F in the evening will do.
- Water Requirements: Give mint a thorough watering when first planted and daily watering afterward to keep soil moist. When growing from stems you can even start growing mint plants inside a water bottle with 2 inches of water.
- Sun Requirements: Place your wint pot in an east-facing window. Rotate the pot every 4 days or so, so you don’t end up with a lopsided plant.
- Soil Requirements: A commercial potting soil or mix that’s equal parts sand, peat and perlite will do. Keep it moist for best results!
What can you make with it?
The more mint you have in life the better. The plants themselves are a source of that signature flavour can be useful ground up in desserts, smoothies, soups, water, or even eaten raw asr an impromptu breath-freshener.
However, mint essential oils are also one of the most popular types. And no wonder! Medicinal benefits include aid with coughs, colds and headaches. But the oils are also effective natural pesticides, keeping away certain bugs like fleas and flies.
So there you have it! Feel free to check out our other growing profiles or sign up for our newsletter for more indoor growing tips right in your inbox.