Types of mint
A variegated form of Apple mint
There are a number of different types of mints that are among the easiest to grow and most versatile of all herbs. There are many variations of mint including spearmint, pineapple, apple, ginger and peppermint.
Uses of mint
While the flavour and aromas vary in rather interesting fashion the different types can be used interchangeably for their culinary and medicinal qualities. Mint has been used for centuries as a mild antiseptic and anaesthetic and an infusion can be used as a gargle for sore throats and toothaches. Mint teas also reputedly aid digestion and ease flatulence and calm stomach upsets. Mint sauces are, of course, no stranger to that great Australian delight, the lamb roast.
Growing Mint
Mints are so easy to grow that they can sometimes threaten to overtake areas with their underground stems that pop up near the parent plant. These runners can be used to propagate new plants and if space is limited, growing the plants in pots can contain the runners effectively. Simply use a spade to split a section from an existing clump of mint and replant into virtually any soilk in an area that receives at least a few hours of sunlight a day. It’s that simple!
Chocolate mint
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