A Guide to Mint: What Is It Good For?

Mint is one of the most popular and versatile herbs, commonly found in UK gardens and kitchens worldwide. With its fresh, invigorating flavour and powerful health benefits, mint is much more than just a garnish. From enhancing dishes and drinks to its ease of cultivation, mint is a must-have herb for any gardener or home cook. In this guide, we’ll explore the different varieties of mint, its health benefits, and the best ways to grow and use it.

Varieties of Mint

Mint comes in many varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Some are known for their intense fragrance, while others offer a subtle twist on the traditional minty flavour.

Corsican Mint

Corsican mint is a low-growing variety with tiny, aromatic leaves. It has a milder taste compared to other mints and is often used as ground cover due to its spreading nature. It thrives in damp conditions and is perfect for planting between paving stones for a fragrant walkway.

Mountain Mint

Mountain mint is an excellent option for gardeners concerned about mint’s invasive tendencies. This variety is well-behaved, offering a robust, slightly spiced flavour that pairs well with both savoury and sweet dishes. Unlike other mints, mountain mint does not aggressively spread, making it a fantastic choice for those who want the benefits of mint without the hassle.

Mountain Mint

Health Benefits of Mint

Mint is more than just a flavourful herb—it’s packed with health benefits, too. It’s known to aid digestion, relieve bloating, and even help with nausea. Mint’s natural menthol content provides a cooling effect, making it useful for soothing sore throats and clearing sinuses. Studies also suggest that mint may have antibacterial properties, helping to freshen breath and support overall oral health.

Fresh vs Dried Mint – Which is Best?

Both fresh and dried mint have their place in the kitchen. Fresh mint offers a vibrant taste and is perfect for garnishing dishes, making tea, or muddling into cocktails. Dried mint, on the other hand, is more concentrated in flavour and works well in spice blends, marinades, and soups. If you grow your own mint, drying it is an excellent way to preserve its benefits for year-round use.

Is Mint Easy To Grow?

Absolutely! Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, thriving in both pots and garden beds. It prefers well-drained soil and partial sunlight, though it can tolerate a variety of conditions. Just be mindful—most mint varieties can be invasive if not contained, so consider using pots or dedicated herb beds.

Do All Mint Varieties Spread?

One of the most common concerns about growing mint is its tendency to spread. While traditional garden mint is known for taking over garden spaces, varieties like Mountain Mint tend to grow in a more controlled manner. If you love mint but don’t want it running wild, mountain mint is a fantastic alternative that offers all the benefits of mint without the aggressive growth habit.

How to Harvest Mint?

 Harvesting mint is simple—just snip off the stems or leaves as needed. The best time to harvest is in the morning, as the essential oils are most concentrated then. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. If you plan to dry mint, cut entire stems and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Best Ways to Use Mint –

Mint is an incredibly versatile herb that enhances a wide variety of dishes and drinks. Here are some of the best ways to use it:

Cocktails (Mojitos & Mint Julep)

Mint is a star ingredient in many classic cocktails, with the Mojito and Mint Julep leading the way. The Mojito combines fresh mint, lime, sugar, and rum for a crisp, refreshing drink perfect for summer evenings. Simply muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar, then add rum and soda water for a delicious homemade version. Meanwhile, the Mint Julep, blends bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint over crushed ice, making it a smooth and cooling choice for warm days. Whether you prefer the citrusy zest of a Mojito or the rich depth of a Mint Julep, mint adds a fresh twist to every sip.

Vegetable Dishes

Mint pairs beautifully with vegetables, adding a fresh burst of flavour. Try it in pea and mint soup, or sprinkle chopped mint over roasted courgettes and aubergines for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

Mint Tea

Mint tea is a soothing, caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea, enjoyed for both its refreshing taste and digestive benefits. Whether made from fresh or dried mint leaves, this herbal infusion is known for its ability to calm the stomach, ease bloating, and provide a naturally cooling effect. But should you use fresh or dried mint when brewing your tea? The answer depends on the flavor and experience you’re looking for.

Fresh Mint Tea: Bright and Aromatic

Fresh mint leaves create a tea with a light, crisp, and naturally sweet flavour. Since fresh mint retains its essential oils, steeping the leaves in hot water releases a vibrant aroma and a cooling sensation that is especially refreshing on warm days. Fresh mint tea is ideal when you want a mild yet invigorating experience, and it pairs beautifully with honey, lemon, or even a slice of ginger for extra warmth.

Best Uses for Fresh Mint in Tea:

• A quick, refreshing tea with a crisp taste
• When you want to enjoy the natural essential oils of mint
• For making iced mint tea, as the fresh leaves add a cooling effect
• When paired with other fresh herbs like basil or chamomile for an herbal blend

Dried Mint Tea: Concentrated and Comforting

Dried mint leaves offer a more concentrated, slightly earthy flavour compared to fresh mint. As the leaves dry, their oils become more intense, giving the tea a deeper, stronger mint profile. Dried mint tea is often preferred in colder months when a warm, comforting cup of herbal tea is desired. It also blends well with other dried herbs, such as chamomile, lavender, or green tea, for a more complex flavour.

Best Uses for Dried Mint in Tea:

• A stronger, more concentrated mint flavour
• A longer shelf life, making it convenient for regular tea drinkers
• When blending with other dried herbs or teas
• When making large batches of herbal tea blends for storage

Buy Your Orange Mint Seeds from She Grows Veg

Mint is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow, perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Its vibrant green leaves and refreshing scent make it a must-have in any kitchen garden, thriving in pots or garden beds with minimal fuss. 

Whether you’re adding a sprig to your tea, muddling it into cocktails, or using it to brighten up summer salads, fresh mint is a game-changer. Our high-quality mint seeds are perfect for getting started—just sow, water, and enjoy a continuous supply of fragrant leaves. Grab a packet today whether it’s Corsican Mint or non-spreading Mountain Mint and experience the joy of homegrown mint!