History: Mintho, the beautiful nymph
who gave her name to this herb was loved by Pluto, god of the underworld.
Persephone grew jealous of Mintho and turned her into a fragrant, lovely
plant, which to this day waits at the shady edges of Pluto's dark realm.
Peppermint is used to flavor everything from chewing gum to medicine.
An old, forgotten purpose for peppermint was to use the leaves to scour and
clean wooden tables because it left behind a clean, fresh scent that helped
the appetite. A peppermint-scoured table was considered a mark of hospitality.
Culinary Uses: The flavor of peppermint is generally too strong for uncooked
foods, but the leaves can enhance cooked foods, especially hearty soups, sauces,
jellies, and lamb.
*Herb history and uses brought to you by
The Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
