I stopped buying mint altogether; Instead, I grow it on my balcony and its aroma is simply delicious.

Mint, especially in summer, is incredibly versatile. Its fresh scent and distinctive flavor can transform a simple lemonade into a refreshing cocktail, a pitcher of tea into a revitalizing drink, or a mundane salad into a tantalizing dish reminiscent of a fine restaurant. It’s really essential.

In addition, mint has many health benefits: it promotes digestion, reduces bloating, acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, in addition to providing a tonic and stimulating effect.

Freshly picked, mint leaves are a sight to behold, but even dried they are perfect for infusions during the winter months.

However, in summer it seems counterintuitive to buy mint when it can be effortlessly grown in a pot or in the garden. In doing so, we not only reap its health benefits but also improve mental clarity, as evidenced by its etymology derived from “mentis”, Latin for “mind”, highlighting its historical association with cognitive acuity and improvement of memory.

Mint is incredibly hardy and requires minimal care and in return offers abundant leaves.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Buy a mint plant or take cuttings from existing plants to propagate indefinitely.
  2. Select a sturdy, healthy stem measuring at least 10 centimeters.
  3. Remove all but the top 4 or 5 leaves and place the cutting in a tall glass filled with water.
  4. Place the glass in a well-lit area indoors and in about ten days new roots will emerge, indicating it is ready for planting.
  5. Fill a pot with soil, fertilize it and gently plant the cutting, being careful not to damage the delicate roots.
  6. Cover the cutting with soil and water regularly with fresh water.
  7. With proper care, your mint plant will be flowering in no time. Regular pruning, especially of the outer leaves, will encourage growth and provide abundant leaves to season our summer dishes.

It’s a simple process with rewarding results!