The aroma of fresh mint leaves is absolutely wonderful, and it is often noticed when driving past fields and undeveloped areas where it grows in abundance. The smell is absolutely amazing, and although the aroma is enticing, the flavor is even better. Fresh mint leaves can be used in a number of easy ways from natural room freshener to colorful fresh fruit dishes. Enjoy the bounty of this fantastic green foliage in tea, desserts, and much more.
Precautionary Statement
Although mint is easy to grow and has many fantastic uses, it is an invasive plant. It can quickly take over a garden or flowerbed. To help contain it, grow it in large pots instead of in the ground. Just a few plants will provide an abundance of flavorful and highly aromatic leaves for beverages, desserts, air freshener, and more.
Natural Fresh Mint Fragrance for the Home
Sprigs of freshly cut mint can be used as a natural air freshener. Tie a few sprigs together with a piece of string or twine, and crush the leaves slightly with the edge of a glass or the back of a spoon to release the fragrant oil. Hang it from a stationary area of a ceiling fan, and let the rotating fan spread the fresh fragrance throughout the room. Place fresh springs over air vents or fans. The leaves can also be simmered on the stove along with real vanilla extract and water. The entire house will smell fresh and amazingly fragrant.
Add Fresh Mint Leaves to Brownie Batter
Chocolate mint brownies are delicious, and when they are made with fresh mint leaves they are absolutely fantastic. Wash and finely chop a few fresh mint leaves, and add this secret ingredient to brownie batter just before baking. A little is all that is necessary. They will taste far better than varieties made with artificial flavorings, but the secret ingredient will not be a secret for long. The aroma will waft through the house as the brownies are baking. For added visual appeal, top the brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh sprigs of mint dipped in white almond bark and drizzled in chocolate.
Fancy Fresh Mint Ice for Beverages
Do you want to impress guests with fancy beverages? Serve embellished ice for unique cold beverages. Place small washed fresh mint leaves in each section of an ice cube tray filled with water. Add the designer ice to punch, tea, or any other beverage that will taste great when enhanced by a few small leaves of fresh mint. For more helpful hints, read the article entitled Ice Cubes for a Party. It provides many more unique and impressive ideas.
Add Fresh Mint Leaves to a Cup of Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa with fresh mint leaves is delightfully refreshing and delicious all year round. After pouring a cup of hot steaming cocoa, add one or two fresh mint leaves. Stir it for a minute or two, and allow the flavor to seep into the cocoa before removing the leaves. It will taste far better than varieties flavored with extract or candy.
Try this Delicious Fresh Mint Julep
Many people have heard of mint juleps but have never tried them. Read the article entitled How to Make Real Kentucky Mint Juleps. The recipe was passed down by my grandmother, and they are absolutely delicious. She added real wild mint leaves and Kentucky bourbon. As an adult I was finally able to try one, and although I am not a drinker it is one of my favorite occasional summertime beverages with a kick.
These are just some of the many ways to use this versatile fresh garden favorite. Instead of letting it wither away, add lightly crushed diced leaves to cookie dough, desserts, bowls of fresh fruit, and beverages including iced tea and lemonade. It can also be used for lovely aromatic garnishes.
What are your favorite ways to use mint leaves? Post your favorites in the comment section, and share what you love best about this fresh and flavorful summertime favorite.
