Mint is a hardy herbaceous perennial, native to Europe and southwest Asia and now found cultivated in North America and most temperate regions across the globe. It grows to a height of 30–100cm and has a square stem like other members of the Lamiaceae family. The leaves are mid-green in colour, ovate in shape with a serrated leaf edge and are 5–9 cm in length. The inflorescences present as whorled, slender spikes of pink or white flowers which are 2.5–3 mm in length.
Mint has a variety of uses in both sweet and savoury dishes; it is a common flavouring in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking where it is used in salads, teas, chutneys, relishes and sauces. Mint has a distinctive, refreshing flavour that is particularly pleasant in summer drinks, soups and salads. Try adding a little to a shortbread mixture with some chocolate chips for a choc mint flavour. Sprinkle on fruit salads and savoury salads and use to make classic mint sauce
