September 2021
Mints and Cuban Oregano
Plant of the month - September 2021
Mint and Cuban Oregano
Mints are said to originate in the Mediterranean area, although there have been plants found in Eurasia, Japan and China. The history of the plant goes back to Greek Mythology and before. Without getting too technical, spearmint (Mentah spicata) appears to be an original cultivar, whereas it is believed that peppermint (Mentha x piperita) originated as a hybrid between spearmint and water mint. Mints are used in almost everything involved in oral hygiene: toothpaste, mouth wash, etc. as well as cosmetics, stomach palliatives, room deodorizers and many more.
The majority of mints used today are grown in Oregon, Washington, Idaho Wisconsin. The mint plant loves cooler weather and rich, moist soil. It spreads enthusiastically, and will put out roots wherever the stem comes in contact with soil. It should be harvested just before blooming, but if you wish to use it as a pollinator plant, local bees will love you for letting it go to seed.
Traditionally, spearmint is used in sauces and jellies, such as mint sauce with lamb. Peppermint is used in mint juleps, a bourbon-based cocktail. Since it is bourbon-based, it is associated with the the American South in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular. As a bonus, I’m giving you the recipe. And if you so desire, you may google ‘julep cups’ and purchase your very own sterling silver one(!) for a mere $500 up to $1,475. So, here’s the recipe:
1 t. Powdered sugar
2 oz. Bourbon whiskey
2 t. Water
4 Mint leaves
In a highball glass, gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is an herb of debatable origin. It has many nicknames: Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage. It is not a mint, thyme or borage, however. It also isn’t oregano. So what is it? It’s an herb, and is believed to be native to southern and east Africa. A spreading ground cover, it will grow to about 19” tall, and like the mints, the stems put down roots wherever they come into contact with the soil. Unlike mints, it is drought tolerant once established, and doesn’t require rich soil. It does require well-draining soil, and partial shade. It’s somewhat frost tender, and will survive our climate if somewhat protected (near the house or under a shade tree). It will bloom late winter to mid-spring in shades of purple, pink or white. As a culinary herb, use it like you would oregano, in poultry, beef, lamb or game dishes. The camphor and menthol taste, however, can be overpowering, so use sparingly.
Mint and Cuban Oregano
Mints are said to originate in the Mediterranean area, although there have been plants found in Eurasia, Japan and China. The history of the plant goes back to Greek Mythology and before. Without getting too technical, spearmint (Mentah spicata) appears to be an original cultivar, whereas it is believed that peppermint (Mentha x piperita) originated as a hybrid between spearmint and water mint. Mints are used in almost everything involved in oral hygiene: toothpaste, mouth wash, etc. as well as cosmetics, stomach palliatives, room deodorizers and many more.
The majority of mints used today are grown in Oregon, Washington, Idaho Wisconsin. The mint plant loves cooler weather and rich, moist soil. It spreads enthusiastically, and will put out roots wherever the stem comes in contact with soil. It should be harvested just before blooming, but if you wish to use it as a pollinator plant, local bees will love you for letting it go to seed.
Traditionally, spearmint is used in sauces and jellies, such as mint sauce with lamb. Peppermint is used in mint juleps, a bourbon-based cocktail. Since it is bourbon-based, it is associated with the the American South in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular. As a bonus, I’m giving you the recipe. And if you so desire, you may google ‘julep cups’ and purchase your very own sterling silver one(!) for a mere $500 up to $1,475. So, here’s the recipe:
1 t. Powdered sugar
2 oz. Bourbon whiskey
2 t. Water
4 Mint leaves
In a highball glass, gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is an herb of debatable origin. It has many nicknames: Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage. It is not a mint, thyme or borage, however. It also isn’t oregano. So what is it? It’s an herb, and is believed to be native to southern and east Africa. A spreading ground cover, it will grow to about 19” tall, and like the mints, the stems put down roots wherever they come into contact with the soil. Unlike mints, it is drought tolerant once established, and doesn’t require rich soil. It does require well-draining soil, and partial shade. It’s somewhat frost tender, and will survive our climate if somewhat protected (near the house or under a shade tree). It will bloom late winter to mid-spring in shades of purple, pink or white. As a culinary herb, use it like you would oregano, in poultry, beef, lamb or game dishes. The camphor and menthol taste, however, can be overpowering, so use sparingly.