What To Do With All This Mint?!?

[Beachbumpirates]

I planted basil, cilantro and mint this year. The mint has taken off and I have LOTS!! Any good recipes out there? Other wise I will be drinking lots of Mojitos this summer....

 

[Buckalew11]

I was just told that if I grow mint to do it separate, not in my garden or even in a small herb garden as it will take over and spread like crazy. I just wanted a little for sweet iced tea!

Sorry, I do not not know what to tell you! Good luck!

 

[Reddy]

jelly - mint jelly - I'm not sure where my recipe is but I have done this before

 

[phorsenuf]

Mint is a very very invasive plant. If you can, I would recommend moving it now before it gets too out of control.

One thing I use to do with it was get some wreath hoops and weave it around the hoop. It makes a pretty (and nice smelling) decoration.

 

[lynxstch]

or they will take over everything..we have 3 boxes, 1 with chocolate mint, 1 with spearmint, and 1 with peppermint..I really only enjoy it for the smell..though I have been known to add some chocolate mint as garnish on desserts..lol..enjoy your harvest!

 

[WDWBarb]

I had a section of my yard taken over by mint but I always look forward to mowing that section because it smells so good.

I have no suggestions for it's use, 'cause I just put it in my tea.

 

[Schmeck]

Rip out as much as you can, and dump it very far away. Then, save a little in a container garden. We planted chives in a bucket with drain holes in the bottom, sunk the bucket into the garden, and the chives are behaving themselves. The mint we got from my MIL, OTOH, has taken over more than half of the garden bed this Spring, and I thought I ripped it all out last year.

We make mint tea all summer, and I freeze some leaves too.

 

[wdwmom2]

I had a section of my yard taken over by mint but I always look forward to mowing that section because it smells so good.

I have no suggestions for it's use, 'cause I just put it in my tea.

I have alot of mint, but I do have it contained.

Occasionally I do pull some out just to smell it after I have run it over with the mower. Smells soooo good. Then, after the mowing is done, I go inside for a sip of homemade mint iced tea!!!!!

 

[WDWBarb]

I have alot of mint, but I do have it contained.

Occasionally I do pull some out just to smell it after I have run it over with the mower. Smells soooo good. Then, after the mowing is done, I go inside for a sip of homemade mint iced tea!!!!!

LOL - this is exactly what I do!! The scent makes me obsess about that cold glass of yummy mint tea!!

 

[tw1nsmom]

I planted mint in the back of my yard on a slope that is really hard to mow and prone to weeds. The mint is quickly taking over, much to my delight. I keep it in check at the top and bottom by mowing it.

I just made a really yummy salad with mint. Orzo, sliced kalamata olives, feta, peas (I used frozen and barely cooked them), olive oil and vinegar, and a lot of chopped fresh mint. It was so yummy!

I also put mint leaves in my green salads. They give them a yummy fresh taste.

Going back to peas...If you can get spring peas just add butter, salt and chopped mint after cooking the peas.

You can also look for a recipe for raita. It's a yogurt based sauce with cucumbers and mint.

I'm looking for more recipes too. Someone mentioned freezing it. I've never tried that. Is there anything special you have to do to it?

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

I just put a handful in homemade milkshakes...

Ice cream
chocolate chips / chocolate syrup
milk
mint

My kids just finished them 5 minutes ago


It doesn't actually taste like MCC ice cream, as it is fresh mint...

 

[Gigi22]

Mint sauce--also you can do a mint and jalapeno jelly and serve it with meats.

 

[lizabu]

you can also put mint in taboullah salad

 

[disykat]

Instead of lemon in water, try cucumber and mint.

 

[DisneyWitch]

Mint has been well known for generations as being a good "tummy trouble" reliever. If you have an upset stomach, or have a mild case of indigestion, mint tea with or without your favorite sweetener can really help. In fact, I'll go for peppermint tea way long before I reach for an antacid or pepto bismol. This is especially true after very rich dinners, or when you might go a bit overboard at holiday meals. Not that I've ever done that or anything.

I used to grow several containers of mint - they would grow right through the winter provided we kept them indoors. Every now & again, cut the plant down, strip off the leaves and put them on a dehydrator or on a cooling rack / baking sheet in a VERY low oven. They dry very quickly. Then toss the dried leaves into ziploc bags and keep in a dark, dry place. Keep away from cats, as they smell very much like catnip (it's in the same family) and you'll end up having mint leaves all over the house.

Whenever you wish for a nice refreshing drink, bring water to a boil and turn off, toss a handful of dried leaves into the hot water and let steep (however long you want, depending on personal preference). Strain the leaves out before pouring. You can also put a handful of leaves in a makeshift "teabag" of cheesecloth and tie it off like a little pouch, or you can use a teaball.

Hope that adds to your list of "what can I do with this mint". Of course, it is also a good excuse to have a daily Mojito!

 

[kirbsam]

so far i havent seen any better ideas than the mojito idea. i say go for it, baby

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I planted basil, cilantro and mint this year. The mint has taken off and I have LOTS!! Any good recipes out there? Other wise I will be drinking lots of Mojitos this summer....

I would tell you to rip it out and then put the plants it in a pot. It really can become a pest plant, especially if it is in a place where you do not want it to spread everywhere.

 

[shortbun]

I don't think you need to panic like other have insinuated. I just take a shovel and cut mine in half every year when it comes up. It does spread fast though. I use it for tabouli-bulgar wheat-mint-tomato-garlic-lemon juice-parsley. I DO make some killer mojitos. I rub a salad bowl with it. I use it for iced tea. And here is an article with some other tips
http://www.realepicurean.com/2007/04/uses-for-mint/

they spelled tabouli a little differently but it's the same stuff and it's a very refresing salad if you used lots of parsley, mint and garlic. Some recipes downplay those three items but I focus on them.

 

[HonnyDipp]

Got mint?

I have one word. MOJITO! spiced rum, mint, sugar, lime juice and soda. Perfect summer adult beverage!

 

[mjkacmom]

We don't keep mint with the rest of the herbs, but keep it in the back of the yard (where it offen gets run over by the landscapers). Just move it to it's own location.