The Bizarre History of Mint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is most commonly referred to simply as “mint” and is a cross between wintermint and spearmint. Mint has a long history of both medicinal and culinary use in many parts of the world. The ancient Egyptians used it widely and one of the earliest mentions of mint comes from an ancient Egyptian medical text that dates back to around 1550 BC. Mint is also mentioned in Greek mythology, by Roman philosophers, in the Bible, and by monks during the Middle Ages. Over time, mint continued to grow in popularity around the world. The leaves are now widely used in many cuisines to flavor both sweet and savory dishes. Peppermint oils and teas are frequently used for medicinal applications and in personal care products. And although it often becomes invasive in home gardens, many home cooks still carefully grow mint in containers to have a fresh supply for making a variety of dishes, ranging from savory favorites like tabbouleh to sweet treats like ice cream sundaes. Mint is also a popular ingredient in cocktails and other drinks. Today, mint remains one of the most widely used herbs in the world.