Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, mints interbreed so easily it is often hard for even the experts to distinguish and separate all the varieties.  All mints have the volatile oil menthol, which gives mint that characteristic cooling, cleansing feeling.

The Greeks believed mints could clear the voice and cure hiccups.

In fact, mint is part of Greek mythology and according to legend - "Minthe" originally a nymph, and Pluto's lover angered Pluto's wife, Persephone, who in a fit of rage turned Minthe into a lowly plant, to be trod upon.

Pluto, unable to undo the spell, was able to soften it by giving Minthe a sweet scent which would perfume the air when her leaves were stepped on - the aromatic herb Mint.

Early settlers brought mint to America primarily for medicinal uses.  It was also a symbol of hospitality.  Southern ladies and gentlemen would rock in their chairs on the veranda sipping Mint Juleps.

Mint needs humid soil and only moderate sunshine. The trick is not to get them to grow, but to restrict the growth.  This is one herb that spreads rather quickly by runners.

Frequently cutting or mowing of large plots will keep mints at their prettiest. In late fall, cut back to the ground and mulch if winters are severe.

Planting next to Raspberry or Roses makes good companion planting.

You can use mint as pot plants with other balcony herbs.  This is a good herb for keeping ants away from doors and combating mice and fleas. Keep mint leaves near food, beds and wardrobes. Throw a few in the doghouse, and even rub the dog with them. (Cats will probably give your some trouble if you do it with them.)

The mint varieties you'll want growing in your garden are:

Chocolate mint
for desserts

Spearmint
for drinks

Peppermint for drinks & desserts

Garden mint for general cooking

Pineapple mint for salads & cooking

Teas:  Fresh Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint sprigs are great to put in your tea pot with your favorite tea.  It is believed they reduce the adverse effects of tannin and caffeine.  Pick the top of the mint plant off, wash it and add to your teapot.  Steep for 2-3 minutes.  Longer for a more potent flavor.

Jellos:  Add your favorite mint to the jello once you've poured the hot mixture into its containers for refrigerating.  (Use two mint heads per quart of liquid).  Let it sit for 5 minutes before refrigerating and then take out the mint leaves. This makes very refreshing desserts.  Chocolate mint is best in chocolate mousse or any chocolate dessert.

Eggs:  Add chopped mint leaves to scrambled eggs, omelettes, soufflés or quiches for a peppy flavor, or to your eggs or egg substitutes.  Add the mint at the end of cooking of scrambled eggs or omelettes. 

Salads:  Fresh leaves are good with salads.   Pineapple mint particularly is great in a mixed greed salad.  Mixed with bulgar, red onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a lemony vinaigrette, it becomes Tabbouleh, a Middle Eastern salad perfect for summertime picnics.

Steamed Vegetables:  Mint is most commonly used with peas. Carrots, potatoes, eggplant, white or black beans, and corn all pep up with the addition of freshly chopped spearmint.  Add the herb at the end of the cooking process.

Check out our Free Recipe section for more on cooking with herbs or browse our Cookbook which includes a section on our secrets and tips on how to use fresh or dried herbs to create a variety of flavors.