How to cut mint properly

Peppermint is an undemanding plant and does not require any special treatment or conditions. It will grow almost anywhere. Just provide moisture and partial shade. Mint is not only a medicinal plant, but thanks to its refreshing taste, due to high content of essential oils, it has its firm place in the kitchen. It goes well both with sweet and savoury dishes.

How should you cut mint? Well, during the season, which usually lasts from June to September, you can clip off individual leaves or young shoots. Cut all stems before the first frost, tie them up and hang them in an airy place. Store dried mint in dark and sealed containers. Dry mint is great as tea or as a flavouring for many dishes. Mint retains its unique flavour and that is why people make syrup out of it quite often and use it to prepare refreshing drinks later.

Mint syrup

Ingredients:

• 4 large handfuls of mint
• 2 litres of water
• 2 large organic lemons
• 500 g of cane or white sugar
• 3 tablets or teaspoons of stevia
• 1 teaspoon of citric acid

Procedure:

Chop mint leaves and put them in a deep bowl. Wash lemons and cut them into circles and add them in the bowl. Mash everything well with a fork. Pour in water and cover the bowl. Let the mixture sit until the next day – to make a strong infusion. When done, strain the mixture into another bowl. Use a fine cloth to do that. Add stevia and sugar. Heat slowly until the sugar dissolves. The temperature should not exceed 75 °C. Add citric acid and pour the syrup into clean jars. Close tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

Photo: Pixabay

Kebab with mint and garlic

Ingredients:

• 750 g of minced beef or mixed meat
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 1 chilli pepper (to your taste preference)
• chives – 3 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon of mint
• lemon peel – 1 full teaspoon
• 1 full teaspoon of pepper (to your taste preference)
• 1 full teaspoon of salt
• 1 full teaspoon of turmeric
• oil to grease frying pan or grill

Procedure:

Rub garlic with salt and chop onion and pepper. Chop finely. Mix everything with the meat and let it rest in a cold room for at least half an hour. Heat up your grill or pan and grease it with oil. Make 8 patties from the meat, stick them on needles or skewers. Roast on a grill or pan on all sides for about 10-12 minutes.

Source:

https://fresh.iprima.cz/recepty/hovezi-kebab-s-cesnekem-matou

https://fresh.iprima.cz/recepty/matovy-sirup

http://www.herbalista.cz/bylinky/mata-peprna-mentha-piperita/

Preview photo: Pixabay