Mentha spicata Spanish

The Spanish Mint is a variety closely related to Moroccan mint, with wide, light green leaves that release a fresh fragrance. This hardy, perennial herbaceous plant can be grown in the ground or in a pot, reaching a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in). Its leaves can be used to flavor salads, grilled dishes, sauces, desserts, or infusions. Plant in spring or autumn, harvest from March to October.
 

Mint is an aromatic bushy plant with highly fragrant foliage. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like lemon balm. It is best to plant it in a semi-shaded area, although mint can practically grow anywhere. It is a perennial plant that will be cultivated for two or three years as it tends to exhaust itself and become less productive afterwards. Choose carefully where you want to plant it: mint spreads rapidly thanks to its trailing roots. You can also grow it in a pot, which allows you to control its growth. It is ideal for planting in the vegetable garden as mint is known to repel unwanted insects from the garden, such as aphids and ants, as well as certain rodents. As for leaf harvesting, it can be done throughout the year, mainly from March to October.

There are many varieties of mint, the most well-known being spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal mint, and lemon mint. Depending on the variety, the leaves will offer you a range of aromas. In the kitchen, use them from appetizers to desserts, to flavor salads and raw vegetables, summer grills, yogurt-based sauces, or fruits. The leaves are also delicious in infusions, in tea or hot chocolate.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves as needed. Choose the largest leaves and cut the complete stem to encourage regrowth. Preferably harvest in the morning to make the most of the mint's aromatic qualities. If you want to dry the leaves, pick the stems before flowering.

Storage: Ideally, consume the freshly cut leaves. If you don't use the fresh leaves, dry the stems and store the leaves in a tightly closed jar, away from light.

Gardener's tip: If you want to plant mint in the vegetable garden while limiting its spread, plant it in a pot and bury the pot in the middle of your garden! Choose a large enough pot and regularly divide the clumps in autumn or spring.