18 July 2015
About Mint Leaves (Pudina)Latin Name : Mentha spicata
Mint or Mentha is called Pudina in India. Mint originated in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its curative properties have been known for over 2000 years. Mint is available in many varieties like applemint, horsemint, orangemint, pineapplemint, peppermint, spearmint etc. Peppermint and Spearmint are the most commonly used varieties. Mint is the short form of spearmint. Mint got its name from the Greek Goddess Minthe. According to Greek folklore was transformed into a plant by Pluto's wife Prosperine who suspected Minthe as having an affair with her husband. As Pluto could not break the spell, he gave the plant a sweet aroma so that it would not get trampled upon. Mint, the herb, can grow in a variety of climatic conditions, from moist and wet to full sunshine. It grows fast and can be propagated by cutting very readily. Mint repels harmful pests but attracts the favourable ones. Menthol is the major component in peppermint that gives it the distinctive smell, flavour and cool property. R-carvone is the major contributor to the smell in Spearmint. Uses Of MintMint can be used fresh or in dried form. The dried form has less flavour and aroma.
It is used in making chutney, juices, desserts, top dressed on salads, salad dressings, soupsetc. Mint is used in toothpastes, mouth fresheners, candies, chewing gums etc. Mint is also used in pharmaceutical fomulations like cough syrups, inhalers and balms. It is also used in the manufacture of perfumes, lipstick, ice creams and liquour. About Mint OilMint oil is produced from various species of the mint plant. Although they have different properties, some properties are common to all the oils sourced from the different varieties of the plant. These are listed below.
Peppermint Oil ComponentsPeppermint oil contains
Nutritional Factors In Mint
Nutrients In Peppermint Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Fresh,
Nutritive Value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 70 Kcal 3.5% Carbohydrates 14.79 g 11% Protein 3.75 g 7% Total Fat 0.94 g 3% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 8 g 20% Vitamins Folates 114 µg 28% Niacin 1.706 mg 10.5% Pantothenic acid 0.338 mg 6.5% Pyridoxine 0.129 mg 10% Riboflavin 0.266 mg 20% Thiamin 0.082 mg 7% Vitamin A 4248 IU 141% Vitamin C 31.8 mg 53% Electrolytes Sodium 31 mg 2% Potassium 569 mg 12% Minerals Calcium 243 mg 24% Copper 329 µg 36% Iron 5.08 mg 63.5% Magnesium 80 mg 20% Manganese 1.176 mg 51% Zinc 1.11 mg 10%
Easy Mint Chutney Recipe
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