Organic Mint

Mentha (mint) is a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, with a subcosmopolitan distribution, seven from Australia, one in North America, and the others from Europe and Asia; several hybrids also occur.

According to Greek mythology, the plant was named after Minthe.

They are aromatic perennial herbs, growing to 10-120 cm tall, with wide-spreading underground rhizomes and erect, branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, simple oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in clusters ('verticils') on an erect spike, white to purple, the corolla two-lipped with four subequal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest.

FOLKS, WE NEED A RECIPE FOR MOJITOS

MINT JULEP
Serves 1

12 leaves of fresh Osage mint Shaved ice
4 tsp of super fine sugar 2 ½ ounces bourbon
2 tsp spring water 6 spring of fresh Osage mint

Place mint leaves, sugar and water in a 12 oz chilled tumbler.
Stir well until sugar has dissolved. Fill tumbler with shaved ice add bourbon. With a long handled spoon chop or mix mixture with the ice. Stir until cup is frosted. Recipe can be chilled in freezer for up to 1/2 hour. Garnish with mint springs and serve with a straw. Enjoy!!!!

COUSCOUS WITH RED CURRANTS AND MINT
Add a minty zing to your favorite couscous.

Prepare couscous as directed, adding ½ cup red currants per cup of uncooked couscous. Garnish with chopped fresh mint.

Organic Mint Herb Grown At Colorado Organic Farm Osage Gardens

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH MINT AND PARMESAN
A delightful side dish or appetizer any time of year

2 eggplants, cut in ½” slices
Extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup thinly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
2 tablespoons finely minced mint
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon high quality balsamic vinegar
Brush eggplant with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill (or sauté) until tender. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and top with parmesan shavings and mint.

MIXED BABY GREENS WITH A CHIFFONADE OF MINT AND POMEGRANATE
A lovely salad for an elegant dinner party.

1 package of fresh mixed baby greens
1 package fresh mint, roughly chopped
Vinaigrette of your choice (Champagne vinegar is recommended)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Seeds from 1 pomegranate
Just before serving, toss salad with mint, vinaigrette, salt and pepper. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

MINT ICE CREAM
What a refreshing idea for a hot summer evening!

Take your favorite ice cream recipe. Add one to four packages (the more the mintier) fresh chopped mint when you are heating the milk or cream. Strain the mint and puree with a small amount of the hot milk/cream. Set aside. Proceed to next step of tempering the hot cream/milk with eggs and sugar and cooking until thickened. When thickened, cool, add mint and then follow directions on your ice cream maker.

Mint Growing at colorado Organic Farm Osage Gardens