[PIC] Stay cool this summer with fresh mint
Chances are, you’re most familiar with mint in its toothpaste and ice cream forms, but it’s a surprisingly versatile fresh ingredient. A perennial herb, mint grows well year after year outdoors. It’s also easy to find a windowsill-sized pot of it at any local farmers market or garden store. Here are a few ideas for putting it to good use.
Why should I buy it?
The minty-fresh breath saying isn’t just a marketing ploy. Mint is a natural stimulant that can help relieve headaches, congestion, nausea and indigestion. It also provides a cooling twist to your summer meals — which is definitely a plus in this summer heat.
What did you do with it?
I decided to conquer my aversion to fruity meat dishes with Martha Stewart’s mango and mint chicken wraps. They are pretty easy to slap together, taste refreshingly amazing, and keep well as separate ingredients for tomorrow’s lunch. On the side, I made a green bean salad with feta and mint. It took 10 minutes to assemble and would definitely travel well if you’re trying to pack healthier snacks. Bonus: Green beans are also in season.
What else can you use it for?
Fresh mint is a ready-to-go, tasty garnish for all kinds of summer food. You can add it to a cool pitcher of lemonade (with or without blueberries) or put it in your ginger ale. If you’re feeling French, a Julia Child recipe adds mint to buttered peas for a sophisticated side veggie. Or, indulge your inner child by mashing up the leaves to make your own tea. Before my mom took Roundup to our home mint garden (it can become a bit of a weed) several years ago, this was my favorite drink on summer afternoons — it’s so easy, a kid can do it!
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