Continuing our focus on different mints, today we turn to spearmint. The 'softer' sibling to peppermint, from which last week's focus, Chocolate Mint, is derived. Spearmint has a softer, often considered sweeter, flavor than peppermint - less bite but just as much benefit!
Because of spearmint's gentler nature, I consider spearmint the ideal herb for younger and older family members. If a young child has a severe upset stomach I always recommend a strong spearmint tea over a weak peppermint tea (if you have it). Spearmint, like many other mints, is a great herb to add in blends with other strong, perhaps unpleasant, herbs. I enjoy a winter tea blend of spearmint, oregano and thyme to help with immunity during seasonal transitions. Oregano and thyme both have strong flavors that aren't always what I'm looking for in a cup of tea, but when I add a larger portion of spearmint I can enjoy the flavor combination while getting the benefits of the oregano and thyme.
In addition to it's use as a tea, spearmint is also widely used in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. Chutneys, relishes, salads and sauces feature spearmint as a main or complimentary ingredient to give a bright, fresh, aromatic layer to the dish. Fresh spearmint is also an excellent garnish on top of fruit salad, yogurt or lemonade.
Growing spearmint is relatively straightforward. Like many mints, it sends out small shoots that will quickly take over a garden area so it is highly recommended to grow in a container. Keep it well watered and regularly fertilized to keep an abundant, year round supply of this delicious medicine. Be sure to harvest it regularly to keep a healthy shape and encourage continued growth. If you are harvesting more than you can use fresh, dry it on a piece of parchment paper or in a mesh drying rack for 1 week then store in an air tight jar away from direct sunlight.
Bees and butterflys enjoy the sweet nectar of spearmint flowers as well, so I try to let a few stalks flower in the spring then cut them back for fresh, green growth during the summer and fall.
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