What is Spearmint? Well, in botanical terms it is Mentha spicata. But most of us probably just know it as mint. Yes, spearmint is just a longer name for ordinary garden mint, like you put in your boiled potatoes. Surprisingly, this irresistible, typically British herb is not British at all. It is Mediterranean and was introduced by the Romans, who couldn’t face life without it.
Mint is deliciously sweet and refreshing. It quenches the thirst and clears the palate. It is an ideal summer drink – either freshly-brewed and steaming hot, or chilled, with a sprig of fresh mint and some ice-cubes. The chilled tea makes a great base for other summer punches and cocktails – why not try adding a splash of iced mint tea to your Pimm’s instead of some of the lemonade? It gives the drink not only an amazing mint flavour, but also great colour.
Mint tea is of course naturally caffeine-free and perfect for drinking at any time of day.
Mint is highly popular in North Africa, where drinking Touareg - a blend of green tea and mint - is an important social ritual. Fresh, or sometimes dried, mint leaves are mixed with Gunpowder Tea (green Chinese tea rolled into tight pellets) and alarmingly large quantities of sugar. It is drunk hot or chilled whenever there are visitors.
Mint has a long and distinguished history in the herb and physick gardens of Europe. Traditional medicine has for many years used mint for stomach aches, chest pains, headaches and nervous complaints. The fresh herb is an antipruritic – in other words it relieves itching! It can be effective against insect bites and allergies.
Mint is also an essential kitchen ingredient. Whilst for many purposes the fresh herb is preferred, nevertheless dried mint has its place as a standby for stews, soups, meat, potatoes and stocks. Try sprinkling a little on a leg of lamb before cooking.
To enjoy African Spearmint tea at its best place one generous tsp of leaves per person in a warmed pot and add boiled water that has been allowed to cool for a minute. Allow about 5 minutes for full infusion to occur, then strain into mugs for a real tongue-tingling experience. Serve hot or chilled, without milk, and add sugar and perhaps a sprig of mint for a deliciously different summer drink. And why not mix it with green tea (we suggest Gunpowder) and make your own Touareg?
If using a Mug Infuser use one rounded teaspoon and brew for about 3 mins if possible.
If you love African Spearmint you might also like to try Cut Peppermint which has a stronger, extremely invigorating flavour. Peppermint, like spearmint, is very useful in cases of flu and fever, and for the digestion.
11%
Send to Friend
Tell a friend about this product
(loose-leaf herbal tea)
Stumble All About Tea!
