Contents:

• Properties of fresh mint
• Using fresh mint in the kitchen

Mint is an herb that has been a favorite in cuisines around the world for centuries. Its distinctive, fresh aroma and unique flavor can transform even the simplest dish, adding a new, refreshing dimension. In summer, when temperatures rise, mint is an irreplaceable ingredient in many recipes. When we're all looking for ways to cool down and refresh ourselves on hot days, there's nothing better than recipes featuring fresh mint, which have a refreshing and relaxing effect. Thanks to its versatile properties, mint pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients—from fruits and vegetables to meats and beverages. We invite you to discover how simple and quick recipes with the addition of mint can become a hit at summer gatherings and everyday meals.

Properties of fresh mint

Fresh mint is, of course, great for adding a refreshing flavor to dishes, but it's also a rich source of valuable nutrients. Mint leaves contain vitamins A, C, and E, among others, which support our immune system and protect cells from free radicals. Mint is also a source of B vitamins, including folic acid, which is essential for nervous system health. Mint also provides minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for the proper functioning of the body. Due to its high fiber content, it aids digestion and can relieve stomach upsets. Its natural essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which further support the health of the digestive and respiratory systems.

Using fresh mint in the kitchen

Summer recipes with refreshing mint are the perfect way to add freshness and lightness to your daily diet. Mint pairs perfectly with fruits like strawberries, watermelon, or citrus fruits to create delicious fruit salads that not only quench your thirst but also provide valuable vitamins. Combined with vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes, mint adds a distinctive, refreshing flavor to salads, perfect for hot days. In drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails, fresh mint leaves add a unique flavor and aroma, making every moment outdoors even more enjoyable. Desserts with mint, such as ice cream or sorbet, are a perfect finishing touch to summer dishes. Mint is therefore an irreplaceable ingredient in summer cuisine, transforming ordinary dishes into unique delicacies full of freshness. Here are some simple recipes:

• Homemade Mint and Lemon Sorbet: Squeeze the juice of 6 lemons, chop a large handful of fresh mint and add it to the lemon juice . Combine 100g of powdered sugar with 500ml of water and bring to a boil until a syrup forms. Once cooled, combine the syrup with the lemon juice and mint. Pour the resulting mixture into a container and place it in the freezer. After one hour, mix everything with a spoon and continue freezing until the sorbet thickens completely.
• Fill tabbouleh with lime and mint: Cook 100g of bulgur , cut 2 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, and an onion into small, even cubes, and add to the cooked groats. Then, zest one lime and squeeze the juice of two limes, add a clove of garlic, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, add a chopped bunch of mint and parsley to the resulting sauce, mix thoroughly, and finally, combine everything with the groats and vegetables.
• Dessert with strawberries and fresh mint: Grate 4 pieces of dark chocolate on a coarse grater, chop a bunch of fresh mint, whip 200 ml of very cold 30% cream, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar , previously chopped mint, and chocolate shavings. Then halve about 20 washed strawberries and place them in cups, top with a portion of whipped cream mixed with mint and chocolate.

Meat marinades can also be infused with fresh mint, which adds a unique flavor. In Mediterranean cuisine, mint is often used to prepare aromatic sauces and dips like tzatziki or chimichurri. Mint pesto is a refreshing alternative to traditional basil pesto, perfect for pasta and salads. Interestingly, mint also pairs well with homemade dumplings served sweetly, for example, with cheese or with fruits like strawberries or blueberries.

In desserts, mint can be used as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, or even chocolates. It's perfect for lemonades, cocktails, and iced teas, creating refreshing summer treats that have a nourishing effect on the entire body. You can also mix it with vanilla ice cream, for example, for a delicious shake.

In summary, mint, known for its refreshing flavor and aroma, is a versatile ingredient that's perfect for summer recipes. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it supports the immune and digestive systems, and its natural essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its versatility, it can be used in many culinary proposals. In addition to traditional uses, such as adding it to fruit or vegetable salads and refreshing lemonades, mint is also excellent in less obvious dishes and desserts.