Peppermint

Peppermint is the dried, chopped leaves and stems of the Mentha piperita plant. Due to its naturally higher levels of menthol, it has a stronger flavour and fragrance than regular mint. It is great for making salads, pesto and mint chocolate desserts and is of course great for making Peppermint tea. It is thought to aid digestive issues as well as helping to treat nausea. Peppermint tends to be a little tough to consume directly, so steeping in hot water to extract flavours is usually the best way to use it.

Peppermint oil contains natural insect repellents, which can be useful when mosquito season rears its head! Why not infuse some and make soaps and shampoos to get a little natural bug deterrent. Or mix some of the infusion into a drink and relax in the sun with the cooling mint flavours. We also have regular Mint, if Peppermint is a little strong for what you want it for.

As with all herbs and spices, add a little at a time to get the flavour you want. You can always add more, but taking it out again can be impossible!