8 Surprising Reasons to Grow Mint at Home

Mint Syrup:
Harvest fresh mint leaves and wash them.
Mix the leaves with equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves and the leaves release their flavor.
Once cooled, strain the syrup and use it to sweeten drinks, desserts, or ice cream.

Chocolate Mint Leaves:
Choose young, tender mint leaves.
Melt dark or white chocolate.
Dip each leaf in the chocolate and place on parchment paper to solidify.

Basil and Mint Pesto:
Combine the mint leaves with the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor.
Blend until smooth and use as a condiment for pasta or sandwiches.

Coriander and Mint Chutney:
Blend mint leaves, coriander, green chillies, ginger, garlic, lemon juice and salt.
Adjust to taste and use as a side dish.

Mint Sauce:
Finely chop mint leaves and mix with sugar, vinegar and salt.
Serve as a condiment for roast lamb or other meats.

Fresh Mint Ice Cream:
Infuse cream with fresh mint leaves to make the base for ice cream.
Serve as a dessert or as an accompaniment to chocolate cake.

Mint in Homemade Products:
Infuse mint leaves into oils to use in homemade ointments or soaps.

Mint in Yogurt:
Finely chop fresh mint leaves and mix them with plain or flavored yogurt.
Enjoy it on its own, with fresh fruit, or as a dip for raw vegetables.