ingredients

There are many varieties of mint the most common being spearmint with long pointed bright green leaves. Mint is a herb of Mediterranean origin and has been used since ancient times. Mint is likely to be found grown in most gardens and is at its best in summer where it is favoured for its refreshing flavour. Mint is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Fresh mint makes a refreshing tea and is traditionally used in sauces and jellies accompanying lamb.

• Use the lovely mint tips for garnishing lamb dishes, fruit platters, desserts, ice-cream, sandwich and savoury platters.
  
• Pineapple and mint work refreshingly well together in drinks, cocktails, sorbets, ice-cream, jellies, salsa and salads.
  
• Add mint to enhance Thai style stir-fries and salads.
  
• Add a sprig of mint when cooking green peas, carrots, new potatoes and cabbage.
  
• A small amount of chopped fresh mint added to a French dressing adds zing.
  
• Chopped fresh mint leaves added to cream cheese make a tasty sandwich filling or savoury topping.
  
• Try adding shredded mint leaves to potato salad for a lovely fresh summer taste.
  
• Taste the cool fresh flavour shredded mint adds to a coleslaw salad.
  
• Fresh mint keeps for up to 1 week in a jug of water covered with a food storage bag in the refrigerator. Change the water every 2 days.