First, a little about me. I am a plant of vigorous, almost unstoppable growth. My runners spread beneath your soil, seeking new places to emerge. You see this as "taking over the garden," but I see it as fulfilling my purpose: to thrive and be abundant. This very characteristic is why you find yourself with more of my fragrant leaves than you know what to do with. Please understand, this bounty is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be utilized. Pruning me regularly for your uses actually encourages me to become bushier and healthier. It is a symbiotic relationship.
While I do enjoy being muddled with lime and sugar in your mojitos, my potential in your nourishment is vast. My leaves contain volatile oils like menthol, which impart a bright, cooling sensation. Tear my leaves and sprinkle them over fresh fruits like watermelon, peaches, or berries; my essence will elevate their sweetness. Stir me into creamy yogurt or labneh for a refreshing dip. Do not relegate me solely to sweet dishes, however. I am a wonderful companion to peas, new potatoes, and lamb. Finely chop my leaves into a tabbouleh or a cucumber salad for a burst of freshness that parsley alone cannot provide.
My benefits extend beyond your plate. When your human mind is troubled, you can harness my calming scent. Simply crush a handful of my leaves in your hands and inhale deeply; the menthol can help clear your senses and ease tension. You can also dry my leaves by hanging me in small bunches in a warm, airy place out of direct sunlight. Once crisp, crumble me into sachets to place with your linens or in drawers to keep them smelling fresh. Alternatively, steep a handful of my fresh leaves in a pot of boiling water, remove it from the heat, and lean over the pot with a towel over your head to create a soothing steam inhalation that can relieve congestion.
Remember my tendency to spread? This makes me an incredibly easy plant to share. If you wish to gift a piece of me to a friend, it is simple. Locate one of my young, emerging shoots connected to a parent plant by a runner. Using a clean trowel or knife, sever the runner and carefully dig up the young plant, ensuring some roots come with it. Pot this offspring in a container with fresh soil, water it well, and you have created a new, independent mint plant. This act of propagation allows my lineage to continue in new homes, spreading the joy of my presence.
