The mint most often used in mint tea is peppermint. Peppermint is an herb that contains no caffeine. It has health benefits of its own, commonly used to relieve gas pains, stomach upsets, and freshen the breath. Peppermint tea is also used for heartburn, stomach ache and nausea.
Mint can be used alone as an herbal tea, or combined to flavor green or black tea. Recipes after the jump…
Hot Mint Green Tea Recipe
1 rounded teaspoon green tea
5 teaspoons sugar (granulated)
12-14 large fresh mint leaves
1 cup water
1 sprig of mint per glass as a garnish
1. Crush mint leaves in water. Bring to boil.
2. Pour over tea and sugar. Let steep for 5 minutes.
Place small sprig of mint in two thick 4-ounce juice glasses. Strain tea into glasses. Drink while hot.
Mint Tea Recipe
Serves: 4-5 servings
3 tablespoons honey or sugar
1/3 cup dried mint leaves
Place the sugar or honey in a quart teapot. Fill with boiling water and stir to dissolve. Add the mint leaves and let steep for 2 minutes. Strain and serve.
Mint is easy to grow. It simply needs a damp (not soggy) environment or very regular watering. Plant mint near drippy outdoor faucets (you really should fix the faucet however). The mint will grow prolifically and take over, as long as it has water. You can make your own dried mint leaves by hanging the sprigs for 3 to 4 days until the leaves are dry and brittle.
