I don’t buy mint anymore: I grow it like this on the balcony and it’s very fragrant.
I stopped buying mint altogether; instead, I grow it on my balcony, and the aroma is simply delicious.
Mint, especially in summer, is incredibly versatile. Its fresh fragrance and distinctive flavor can transform a simple lemonade into a refreshing mocktail, a pot of tea into a revitalizing beverage, or a mundane salad into a tempting dish reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant. It’s truly indispensable.
In addition, mint has numerous health benefits: it aids digestion, reduces bloating, acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and provides a tonic and stimulating effect.
Freshly picked, mint leaves are a sight to behold, but even dried, they are perfect for infusions during the winter months.
However, in summer, it seems contradictory to buy mint when it can be effortlessly grown in a pot or in the garden. By doing so, we not only reap its health benefits but also improve mental clarity, as evidenced by its etymology derived from “mentis,” the Latin word for “mind,” highlighting its historical association with cognitive acuity and improved memory.
Mint is incredibly hardy and requires minimal care, yet offers abundant leaves in return.
Here’s how to get started:
- Purchase a mint plant or collect cuttings from existing plants to propagate indefinitely.
- Select a sturdy, healthy stem that is at least 10 centimeters long.
- Remove all leaves except the top 4 or 5 and place the cutting in a tall glass filled with water.
- Place the container in a well-lit area indoors and within about ten days new roots will emerge, indicating that it is ready to plant.
- Fill a pot with soil, fertilize it, and gently plant the cutting, making sure not to damage the delicate roots.
- Cover the cutting with soil and water regularly with fresh water.
- With proper care, your mint plant will flower in no time. Regular pruning, especially of the outer leaves, will promote growth and provide abundant leaves to flavor our summer dishes.
It’s a simple process with rewarding results!
