Description

Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. They have wide-spreading underground rhizomes and erect, branched stems. The mint powder is prepared from dried mint leaves.The mint leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Dried mint powder is usually preferred as fresh mint has a short shelf life and is perishable.Mint powder is easy to store and can be added to any recipe of choice throughout the tear. Mint powder are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams.

How to select

Mint powder is available in the market. You would need to ensure that the dehydrated mint powder is of good quality and has an excellent flavor. Check the expiry date before buying.

Culinary Uses

· The mint powder is an ingredient in many South Asian foods (particularly chutneys), in Chinese dishes and in Mexican salsas and guacamole.
· Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint powder for flavor or garnish, namely the Mint Julep and the Mojito. Crème de menthe is a mint-flavored liqueur used in drinks such as the grasshopper.
· Mint powder can be used on cooked dishes such as dal and curries. As heat diminishes their flavor quickly, mint powders are often used raw or added to the dish right before serving.
· In Indian and Central Asian recipes, mint powders can be used to make cool refershing drinks like mintade or jaljeera.
· Mint powder are used in few dishes like mint-coriander chutney, rasam, sambar, meat, fish, poultry items and biryanis.
· Mint tea with mint powder is also popular.

How to store

Dried mint powder should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry place.

Health Benefits

· Mint powders are considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices.
· Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains, and it is commonly used in the form of tea as a home remedy to help alleviate stomach pain.
· During the Middle Ages, dried and powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth.
· Mint tea is a strong diuretic. Mint also aids digestion, in a way that it breaks down the fats. In recent years, it has been often recommended for treating obesity.