Spearmint

Spearmint herb or garden mint or common mint has long been reputed for its characteristic aroma it imparts to the recipes it added to. The least pungent and subtle among the species of mint family, this unique herb is one of chef’s main culinary favorites.

Health benefits of spearmint

• Spearmint is pleasantly aromatic herb packed with numerous health benefiting vitamins, antioxidants and phyto-nutrients.
• The leaves and herb parts contain essential oil, menthol. Unlike in peppermint, spearmint leaves composes only small amounts of menthol, 0.5% compared to the 40% in peppermint. Less menthol content would make this herb least pungent and subtly fragrant herb in the mint family.
• The herb has low calories (about 43 calories per 100 g) and contains zero cholesterol.
• The chief essential oil in spearmint is menthol. Other important chemical components of spearmint areα-pinene, β-pinene, carvone, cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene. These compounds in mint help relieve fatigue and stress.
• The herb parts are also very good in minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron (148% of RDA), and magnesium. Iron is required for enzymes in cellular metabolism and synthesis of hemoglobin. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
• Further, the herb is also rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A (provides 4054 IU or 135% of RDA), beta-carotene, vitamin C, folates (26% of RDA), vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin and thiamin.

Medicinal uses

Almost all parts of spear mint herb found a place in various traditional as well in modern medicine.

• The herb decoction is an excellent remedy for minor ailments such as headaches, nervous strain, fatigue and stress, as well as for the respiratory problems; helping with asthma, bronchitis and catarrh.
• It is very useful to deal with digestive problems, including nausea, flatulence and hiccups as it relaxes the stomach muscles.
• The essential oil, menthol, has analgesic, local anaesthetic and counterirritant properties. Menthol also found application in the preparation of toothpaste and mouth refreshers.
• On the skin, when used as cream or lotion, it may help relieve the itching of pruritis, dermatitis, and hives.
• Spearmint oil is used as blended massage oil and in the aromatic therapy to help relieve headaches, stress, fatigue, and nervous conditions and to relieve itching.
• Spearmint tea can be used safely in pregnancy. In women, it helps reduce unwanted hairs through its anti-androgenic properties.
  
  
  
  
  

  Selection and storage

  Fresh spearmint leaves available all around the year. The herb is grown in much similar fashion like peppermint,basil, oregano, etc. It can be grown in pots, as garden herb or cultivated at a larger scale as a field crop for the production of essential oils. In general, its leaves are harvested just before flowering stage for culinary purposes. However, the whole plant may be gathered in full flower for distillation of essential oils.

  In the herb store, its leaves and stems, fresh or dried are available. Choose spearmint leaves that are fresh, tender shoots featuring bright green color with spearmint scent. Avoid wilted, yellow and floral leaves.

  Once at home, wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry with absorbent paper and store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for use in a near future.

  Preparation and serving methods

  Unlike other mint species, spearmint contains very minimal quantities in menthol; hence less harsh and pungent, making it one of the most preferred herbs in cooking, confectionary, and in health drinks.

  
  

  Here are some serving tips:
  

  • Its fresh leaves, either chopped or ground, can be added in the salads.
  • It is good for making mint sauce. To prepare mint sauce, ground fresh mint leaves mixed with yogurt, cumin and little salt.
  • The herb is also used as flavoring agent in ice-creams, jams, cakes, jelly, etc.
  • Spearmint tea is a popular drink.
  • The herb is also used in cooking recipes. In general, the herb is added in small amounts, chopped or ground, to recipes at the last moment in order to retain their flavor and taste.