mint

Mint is considered an everyday staple in dessert, entrees, and even in international cooking. You may even consider yourself a mint aficionado. But mint has a less normal history than you might think, around the world and in your home country. Consider what's below: Mint, an herb, because it is a flowering plant with an above-ground herbaceous stem, is scientifically known as //Mentha spicata// when referring to spearmint, one of the most popular types of mint, or just //Mentha// when referring to the genus.

Funnily enough, this scientific name is connected to an ancient Greek myth. According to the story, there once was a nymph named "Minthe" who loved Hades, god of the underworld. Problem is, Hades was already taken. His wife, Persephone, found out about Minthe's little crush and turned the poor nymph into a plant, but all was not lost. Out of pity, Hades gave Minthe a sweet smell, causing the mythological birth of what is today known to us as mint.

Also in ancient religion, mint was used in Assyrian rituals to their fire god, Nusku.

Mint is also used a little closer to home, regarding time, and place. The Pilgrims were thought to have taken mint over when they came to America.

In modern-day, mint is used in Japanese companies. Small amounts of mint leaves are placed in the air-conditioning systems, and the scent dispersed is thought to increase employee productivity.

Also, pet owners, catnip is a form of mint. It is widely known among the feline loving community that catnip changes the behavior of cats.

Culturally, mint is used as a form of time and life management in Romania through mint-rubbing. The RMRA, or Romanian Mint Rubbing Association, says that by sitting down each day and calmly rubbing mint between your fingers, stress is eliminated.

A richer background than you'd expect of a lowly herb, right?

Back to recipe »»» Click me!