Outside view: Peppermint tea

This Thursday it’s all about Herbs, Spice and Tea. I grow a couple of different kinds in pots to use in crafts and recipes. This is a favorite:

All mints prefer a cool, moist spot in partial shade but will also grow in full sun.

Sunset Herb and Garden market :

is held every Spring and it’s a great place to find new plants for the garden.

Hot mint Tea :

ingredients

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (organic)
2 cups/240ml filtered water
honey or sweetener of choice to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Roughly tear the leaves with your hands and place them in a small strainer placed over a teapot or glass bowl.
Bring the water to a boil and pour over the leaves. (The water should cover the leaves in the strainer)
Cover the teapot or bowl and let the leaves steep for at least 5 minutes.
Gently bruise the mint leaves with the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler to release the oils, then remove the strainer pressing on the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible.
Pour into tea cups or mug and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste if desired.

Iced Mint Tea

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
2 cups fresh mint leaves
9 cups cold water, divided
2 Louisiana tea bags
Mint leaves for garnish, optional

Directions

Prepare mint syrup: Combine the sugar, mint leaves, and 1 cup water in a small saucepot over high heat. Stir. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until sugar is dissolved, about 90 seconds. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the solids from the liquid, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Place syrup in refrigerator to cool.
While the syrup is cooling make a strong tea. In a pitcher steep 2 tea bags in 2 cups boiling water for 10 minutes.* Remove and discard tea bags. Add the 6 remaining cups water.
Sweeten to taste with ½ to 1 cup of the chilled mint syrup.

Other Uses:

What does peppermint plants keep away?

Peppermint plants around your house will keep rodents, flies, ants and other insects away. You can avoid using harmful chemical sprays and substitute them with a mix of water and peppermint oil (9 parts water and 1 part oil)