Potted Herbs – Who, What, How?

Potted Herbs are todays focus!

In these weekly blogs, we will select our favourite product this week and discuss its variety of health benefits and uses. We will throw in some great recipes for you to try and some top tips and tricks.   

Potted Herbs

This weeks’ blog will be a little different as we have so many varieties of potted herbs, it would be impossible to talk about them all! Instead, we’re focusing on our favourite: Potted Garden Mint. I know its not quite summer yet, but the lighter mornings and the sunnier days are making us feel like we’re already there! (Eager I know!) But what better herb than the classic Potted Mint to make you feel like its already summer!? Mint is so versatile, from drinks to desserts, this potted herb can be used in practically any way thinkable! Let’s get stuck in with learning a little more about this pretty potted treat.

First, a fun fact! Did you know? The flavour of your traditional garden mint is most recognisable as spearmint.

Garden mint is used often in lots of different cooking and in England is traditionally enjoyed with lamb. Mint also appears in Moroccan cooking and Egyptian spice mixes – its very versatile! The list doesn’t stop there! Mint also features in lots of Indian chutneys and yoghurt-based sauces, and is the primary herb in the Greek tzatziki.

One great health benefit of mint is that it aids in relieving indigestion. Studies have shown that consuming mint oil with meals helps in digestion, and subsequently avoids feelings of indigestion. This is the same with symptoms of IBS. Mint oil is said to alleviate IBS symptoms due to its relaxing effects. The relaxing effects of mint also mean its a great herb to consume in tea to relieve stress. Typically peppermint tea aids in the relief of stress, although there is no reason why you can’t pick the fresh leaves off the potted mint and add them to your own tea creation. Not only is it good for stress-relief, mint tea is also great for improving sleep. Making tea from the fresh leaves to drink before bed will assist those struggling to sleep.

Vitamin wise, potted garden mint boasts high volumes of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps vision and keeping the skin and some linings of the body healthy, the nose for example. Meanwhile, Vitamin C helps to maintain healthy skin, cartilage, blood vessels and bones. This makes mint a great, easy herb to incorporate into a healthy diet! Let’s get stuck in with some recipes…

Buck Rogers Mocktail

We couldn’t resist!! A little mint mocktail is the perfect drink to accompany anyone booking their summer holiday right about now. We’ve picked a favourite of ours over on The Nurtured Way. It’s quick and simple and will have you enjoying the fresh mint flavours in no time. Follow the super-speedy recipe below.

Lamb Rump

If a minty cocktail is just a step too close to summer for you, we’ve got the perfect dish that will keep you feeling warm and wintery, but with a pop of fresh summer flavour. Fabio Miani makes a delicious lamb rump on pea puree. Using mint leaves to infuse the stock of the pea puree and crispy mint leaves to garnish, his dish brings vibrant colours and flavours. Made up of beautifully cooked rump of lamb, pea puree, fondant potatoes and tendril pea shoot and mint leaf garnish, this is a dish that the fresh potted mint will only enhance. Try his tasty recipe in full over on The Nurtured Way.  

Garden Mint Tea

1. Add two mugs of water and a handful of fresh mint leaves to a small pan
2. Bring to the boil and then let simmer for a few minutes
3. Strain the tea into a mug, adding some honey for sweetness if you wish, and garnishing with a lemon slice and fresh mint leaves
4. Relax and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

• Keep your potted herbs on a nice sunny windowsill to keep them healthy
• Don’t over water your potted herb – a light spritz will be enough
• Use the little leaves of your potted mint to garnish both sweet and savoury dishes

References: Healthline | Food | NHS |Fine Dining Lovers