Lavender Mint: Flavor, Benefits, Growth, And Uses

Lavender Mint is an aromatic and delightful herb combination that has become popular recently. The sweet yet refreshing blend of lavender and mint can add a unique flavor to any dish or beverage. Not only does Lavender Mint taste great, but it also has many powerful health benefits for those who use it regularly. Read on to learn more about the history of this herb blend, what it can do for you, and how to use it in your cooking.

What is Lavender Mint?

Lavender Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Lavendula’) is an aromatic and flavorful herb that has recently become popular for culinary use. It is a hybrid of two traditional herbs, lavender and mint, and combines the sweet aroma of lavender with the sharp flavor of mint to create a unique taste. Lavender Mint leaves can be used in teas, salads, desserts, and other dishes for a unique flavor.

History and Origin of Lavender Mint

Lavender mint is a hybrid plant created from an intergeneric cross of various mint and lavender species. It was first developed in the 1980s by British horticulturalists looking for a new flavor to add to their herbs. Since then, it has become popular throughout Europe and North America as an ingredient for culinary dishes and herbal teas. The distinctive flavor of lavender, combined with the menthol notes found in mint, makes it a popular choice for savory and sweet dishes. Its culinary applications have made Lavender Mint one of the most sought-after herbs in modern herbal cuisine.

Lavender Mint is also widely used for its medicinal properties. It has been known to help relieve stress, improve concentration, and aid digestion. Its antiseptic properties make it an effective treatment for minor injuries and skin irritations. It has also been used to treat headaches, insomnia, depression, and other ailments. In addition to its medicinal uses, Lavender Mint is a popular choice for aromatherapy due to its calming and uplifting scent.

Description of Lavender Mint

This combination produces an herbal flavor that is both sweet and soothing. The plant grows about 15-20 cm tall, with many small purple flowers on its slender, pointed stems. Its leaves are greyish-green in color and are oval with jagged edges. When crushed, the leaves have a strong minty aroma, and the stems have small feathery hairs that give off a pleasant yet subtle lavender scent.

Flavor Profile of Lavender Mint

Lavender Mint is a unique and complex combination of sweet floral notes from the lavender harmoniously blended with a light, fresh minty flavor. The lavender’s sweetness tempers the mint’s sharpness, creating an aroma that is both delicate and inviting, making it perfect for desserts, teas, and other beverages.

The herb also lends itself to savory dishes, adding a subtle floral aroma and flavor to everything from sauces to marinades and salads. It pairs particularly well with the Lamiaceae family’s sage, lemon, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and other herbs.

Seasonality and Availability throughout the year of Lavender Mint

Lavender Mint is available in the spring and summer, with peak availability in June and July. It can also be found sporadically throughout the year, depending on the region it’s grown in. Lavender Mint may be available for harvest from late April through early October in temperate climates like the western United States. In tropical or subtropical climates, it may be available year-round.

Health Benefits of Lavender Mint

Lavender mint packs a powerful nutritional punch with its impressive mineral content. It is rich in vitamins C, A, and K and magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. The leaves of lavender mint are an excellent source of antioxidants which can help to boost immunity and fight off free radicals from the body. Additionally, these antioxidants may reduce inflammation throughout the body and help to improve heart health.

The essential oils contained in lavender mint are believed to possess anti-stress and calming properties, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a natural way to relax. The fresh scent of the leaves can also help promote mental clarity and focus, while its pleasant taste makes it a delightful addition to any recipe. Lavender mint can also be used as an herbal remedy to soothe and promote healing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Finally, the oils in lavender mint are believed to possess antibacterial qualities, which can help fight off common colds and other airborne infections.

Cultivation of the Lavender Mint

Lavender mint prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is an herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of up to 30 cm (12 inches) tall and wide, with fragrant foliage arranged in neat rows or mounds. It will tolerate some shade and requires good air circulation. This herb can become woody if not regularly pruned back. It can also spread quickly, so keeping the plant trimmed back and in its designated area is important. In areas with mild winters, lavender mint can be grown annually.

• Watering Requirements: Lavender mint requires regular watering throughout the growing season, particularly when the weather is hot or dry. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce the watering frequency in winter to once every 2–3 weeks.
• Fertilizing: Lavender mint does not require fertilizer. If desired, use a balanced organic fertilizer at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Do not fertilize in fall or winter, as this can stimulate tender new growth, which may not survive the winter months.
• Pruning: Pruning is essential for healthy lavender mint plants. Prune back stems to 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead blooms throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering. To keep a neat, tidy shape, pinch back stems as needed throughout the growing season.

Harvesting of the Lavender Mint

The Lavender Mint is harvested when it reaches a height of around 10 cm. It should be harvested before the flowering stage to ensure all the desired compounds are present in the leaves and stems.

The best time for harvesting is usually early morning or late evening, as this allows more essential oils to remain intact. When harvesting, it is best to avoid cutting too close to the ground as this can damage the plant. After harvesting, it should be hung upside down in a cool and dry place until all moisture has been removed.

Where does Lavender Mint Grow?

Lavender Mint plants are native to the Mediterranean region. Most of its production takes place in France, Spain, and Italy. It is also found growing wild in Western Europe and North Africa regions. In recent years, varieties of this plant have been cultivated in other parts of the world, like Australia and New Zealand, to meet global demand.

What are the things to remember when buying Lavender Mint?

When purchasing Lavender Mint, it is important to look for fresh and fragrant bunches. The leaves should be intact and without yellow spots or wilting. Avoid bunches with large browned areas or signs of disease. Additionally, the stems should be flexible and not dry or brittle.

Once you get it home, store Lavender Mint in a cool place away from direct sunlight and high humidity. To extend its shelf life, keep the herb bundled in a damp paper towel in a container placed in the refrigerator crisper drawer. When using it as part of your recipes, always discard the stem before chopping up the leaves, as they can have an unpleasant bitter taste if consumed raw.

What is the best way to store Lavender Mint?

Lavender Mint should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days of purchase. When preparing to use Lavender Mint, it is best to pick off the leaves rather than chopping them as they are more delicate. It can also be frozen for up to three months to extend its shelf life.

When cooking with Lavender Mint, it is important not to overpower the flavor of other ingredients – adding too much may result in an overly bitter taste. For this reason, it is often best to add Lavender Mint towards the end of cooking or just before serving. It pairs well with lamb, chicken, and fish dishes and can also be used when making herbal teas and cocktails.

Finally, enjoy taking the time to appreciate Lavender Mint’s unique flavors. Its minty-fresh aroma and delicate floral notes make it an ideal addition to any meal.

How can Lavender Mint be used in recipes with other Fruits and Vegetables?

Lavender Mint works well in salads and savory dishes, adding a delicate herbal flavor. It pairs nicely with tart fruits like apple or cranberry and sweet vegetables such as carrots and onions. It can also flavor meats such as chicken or beef and roasted potatoes. Lavender Mint can be added to desserts for a unique twist on classic favorites. Try it in an apple pie or stir it into ice cream for a fragrant treat. When using it in recipes, remember that the flavor is subtle and grows more intense the longer you let it steep.

No matter how you choose to use Lavender Mint, one thing is certain: its calming aroma will fill your kitchen and make your food irresistible! Whether you use it in savory dishes or desserts, Lavender Mint adds unique flavor and fragrance to your creations.

Conclusion

Lavender Mint is a unique and flavorful herb with a variety of uses. Its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor make it an ideal addition to many dishes, from salads to desserts. Whether serving a savory dinner or indulging in a sweet treat, Lavender Mint will add a subtle but memorable flavor experience. Enjoy taking time to savor the unique aroma and flavor of this flavorful herb.