The little, red squirrel was determined, I’ll say that much. He, I assume it was a he because he couldn’t take a hint and go away, kept jumping on the patio door window and trying to climb inside. He wanted to join me while I watched the evening news. I don’t know why; there was nothing of interest on the news. Never is.
It was annoying, though. It didn’t seem to matter how many times his head banged against the window, he kept trying again and again. Finally, I told my dog, “Get.” The barking scared him away. Until the next time, the next day, again during the news. And the next day and the next. I had to do something.
My little piece of country paradise is a shared paradise. One where animals, big and small, roam free, sometimes annoyingly so. I didn’t want to be labeled the neighborhood animal hater and start killing off the little critters, but I also didn’t want to endure the nightly routine of the red squirrel banging his head on the patio door window.
Mint As Natural Squirrel Repellent
I did some research. I discovered that growing fresh peppermint detracted the squirrels. Worth a try. I had all kinds of mint elsewhere in my gardens, including spearmint and chocolate mint. Why not put some in a pot on the patio by the window? It was a resilient plant that would grow anywhere. And it smelled so good. At least I thought so, even if the squirrel didn’t.
Which he didn’t! I found that out very quickly the night after I placed my peppermint pots on the deck by the window. The squirrel came back. He made a dash for the window and then quickly swirled away. For the next ten minutes, he ran around in circles on the deck, presumably trying to initiate his nightly attack on my window. He didn’t get very close.
薄荷使他讨厌。我很惊讶。我很快就做了一个决定,在所有地方种植大量的薄荷。我花园里的天然驱虫剂越多,松鼠被破坏的可能性就越小。我还会收获很多薄荷来做我的油和烘焙。
我以前以为薄荷家族只有薄荷。直到我参观了一个很棒的苗圃,叫香草园。这是一个专门培育各种各样的草本植物的地方。在那里我找到了薄荷天堂,我的花园有很多薄荷可供选择。立刻吸引我的是巧克力薄荷和苹果薄荷。我喜欢巧克力和苹果,当然不是一起吃,所以我喜欢这些植物。
A Bit About The Mint Family
Lamiaceae or Labiatae is the botanical name for mint. Or more specifically, a family of flowering plants we commonly refer to as mint. Another name attached to this family is deadnettle. The plant is known for its aroma. And surprisingly, the mint family includes such a wide diverse assortment of culinary herbs like basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, and lavender, to name some of the more recognizable herbs.
There are more – lots more. In fact, there are more than7500 varieties of Lamiaceae (mint). Some are grown as trees or shrubs, others are edible, and some are merely ornamental.
The most commonly known species of Lamiaceae is the selection that we call mint: peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, lemon mint, and so on. Since this is a very easy-to-grow herb, mint of any variety is a common addition to herb gardens.
然而,要注意,薄荷也可能是很有侵略性的,会占据整个花园。没关系。它闻起来很好。事实上,我最多产的薄荷花园围绕着我的堆肥——这是一个很好的方式来掩盖腐烂、分解食物的味道。
So, how many types of mint do you know? How many types do you have in your garden? I have to admit I only grow five: peppermint, spearmint, lemon mint, chocolate mint, and lavender mint. But here’s a good healthy list of mint varieties that will benefit your garden and your harvest.
Peppermint
Mentha piperita, or in its wild form Mentha balsamea, is a hybrid, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Like all mints, peppermint is very invasive. It doesn’t multiply by seeds, as it doesn’t produce any, but rather, by runners that spread out in every direction. Originally from Europe and the Middle East, this mint is grown in many regions around the world, and it’s also commonly found in the wild.
It’s known to grow as high as 3 feet tall and prefers a moist, marginally shady area for growing. The dark green leaves exhibit reddish veins and along with the stems, are slightly fuzzy. The purple flowers whirl around the stem in thick, blunt spikes.
Both the leaves and the flowers are used, though the wild form is not as suitable for eating. Peppermint is popular as a garnish to sweet desserts, added to puddings, salads, and salad dressings. It may be added to sweet or savory dishes, fresh or dried.
Brewed in a tea, peppermint also makes agood curative for stomach ailments like nausea. Also in tea, peppermint has a calming influence and is often used to help a person relax and go to sleep. Fresh peppermint infused (soaked) in honey keeps well for a tasty additive to winter teas, hot chocolate (mint of any variety goes well with chocolate) and in sweet treats. It makes a tasty addition to cold drinks as well, like lemonade, iced tea, and cocktails.
Peppermint can rejuvenate externally as well. Its cool feeling when placed on the skin helps rejuvenate tired, achy feet. Peppermint is useful around the house, inside and out. Mice, chipmunks, and squirrels don’t like the smell of peppermint. Soaking cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and placing these balls in cabinets and holes where rodents might sneak in,discourages their infestation.
就像我从恼人的红松鼠身上发现的那样,在房子附近种植薄荷可以阻止这些啮齿动物靠得太近。Since it contains someantiviral and anti-fungal qualities,peppermint is an ideal additive to cleaning products.
薄荷有一种甜美诱人的气味。只要闻一下这种药草就会让人感到干净和清新。嚼薄荷可以药用,也可以清新口气。事实上,在口香糖发明之前,人们习惯嚼薄荷叶。
Spearmint
紫薄荷(Mentha spicata)是一种有许多名字的薄荷。绿薄荷也被称为花园薄荷,普通薄荷,羊肉薄荷(它是美味的果冻配羊肉或洒在羊肉烤),和鲭鱼薄荷。The plant grows tall, sometimes up to 3 feet, with long, narrow leaves and pink or white flowers that grow in slender spikes.
“矛”这个名字在绿薄荷中是针对看起来像矛的尖尖的叶尖。像大多数的薄荷一样,绿薄荷是有侵略性的,它的奔跑者向各个方向扩散。在花盆中种植绿薄荷是控制其入侵性的最好方法。
叶子可以是新鲜的、干的或冷冻的,但最好是在开花之前收获叶子,因为这样叶子就会失去味道和香气。叶子也可以很好地保存在盐、糖、糖浆、酒精或油中。绿薄荷是一种受欢迎的牙膏和各种甜点的调味品。它在混合饮料、甜茶和冰茶中尤其受欢迎。它有时可以在洗发水和肥皂中找到。As afumigant, spearmint makes an effective insecticide against moths.
Lemon Balm
It is an excellent additive to salads, teas, wines, and liquors, and it’s particularly popular as a flavoring to seafood and meat dishes. It’s also used as a flavoring in desserts. Medicinally, lemon mint tea can be used to treat colds, coughs, fevers and various respiratory ailments. Since lemon balm contains citronellal, it makes anexcellent insect repellent, especially for fleas and mites.
Chocolate Mint
它的名字说明了一切。这种薄荷的茎呈微棕色,叶子上有棕色斑点,闻起来有一点巧克力的味道。想象一下,一块花园的土地闻起来像你最喜欢的巧克力薄荷馅饼!在烘焙过程中,它可能是与巧克力互补的最好的薄荷,因为它有如此美味的巧克力薄荷味。
Chocolate mint prefers a cool, shady location with moist soil. It likes the sun but not the extreme heat. Once you find the perfect location, it’s an easy-care mint. Just keep it well watered and the chocolate mint will prosper for years. And spread like a weed!
Like many of the other mints, chocolate mint makes a delicious tea. Fill a mug about half full of fresh chocolate mint leaves and cover with boiling water. Steep and spoon out the leaves. Add a little chocolate milk or chocolate almond milk for a thicker, richer treat.
Chocolate mint may also be added to puddings and baked goods for a chocolate mint delight. It can even be added to whipped cream and blended in an ice cream maker to create a chocolate-mint ice cream without adding chocolate. Definitely my favorite mint!
Lavender Mint
薄荷胡椒薰衣草,就像所有的薄荷一样,是非常耐寒的,多用途的和侵入性的。薰衣草薄荷有着娇嫩的紫色花朵,是任何花园的一个漂亮的补充。它是一种有用的有益的薄荷,无论是药用还是烹饪用途。
Best known for its use (dried) in teas and potpourris, lavender mint is also found in shampoos, creams, and even lip balms. A sprig of fresh lavender mint will enhance the flavor of savory dishes like salads, pasta, and soups.
有些人喜欢把新鲜的薰衣草薄荷加到一杯冰柠檬水里,或者令人惊讶的是,配上一盘新鲜的草莓。尽管我不得不承认,在新鲜草莓中添加任何东西的想法并不吸引人。我认为,草莓就这样吃才是最好的。
Ginger Mint
这种薄荷,也被称为薄薄荷或苏格兰薄荷,是玉米薄荷和留兰薄荷的混合体,尽管它闻起来很像留兰薄荷。像所有的薄荷一样,姜薄荷很容易生长,实际上在任何类型的土壤中都很好,包括重粘土,只要浇水充足。
Ginger mint makes a tasty addition to melon salads, hot or cold teas, and lemonade. Add freshly chopped or dried to butter for a tasty spread. It also makes a nice marinade for meat and poultry.
Banana Mint
Mentha arvensis is a hardy mint with pale, lilac-colored flowers that makes an attractive addition to any herb garden or as a border for a floral garden. It can grow to about 1 foot and prefers a sunny location. The bright lime-green leaves have a heavy mint scent.
When eaten, it leaves an aftertaste similar to that of a banana, hence the name. Bees and butterflies love this mint. Banana mint leaves may be used as a garnish for puddings and summer drinks as well as, sparingly, in salads.
Corsican Mint
Mentha requienii, or Corsican mint, native to Corsica, is a low-growing variety of mint. It’s considered to be one of the smallest members of the mint family. Its bright green leaves, small and oval in shape, emit a strong minty smell when trampled. The mauve flowers are tiny but attract insects, which help pollinate the plant. Like all mints, Corsican mint is very invasive.
科西嘉薄荷是一种很受欢迎的床上植物,因为它可以被踩死,所以它经常生长在垫脚石和人行道内衬之间。It likes the shade, but it doesn’t like too much water, as it will make the plant rot.
它是花椰菜、卷心菜和花椰菜很好的伴生植物,因为它能驱除一些破坏这些作物的昆虫。科西嘉薄荷还能改善附近蔬菜作物的味道。
The most famous use of this mint is as aflavoring for crème de menthe. It has medicinal properties as well. It makes a goodantiseptic, and it can relieve flatulence and reduce fever. It also makes a good rodent deterrent as rats and mice dislike the smell of this mint.
Egyptian Mint
Mentha niliaca, or Egyptian mint, is one of the many mints argued to be theactual mint of the Bible. It’s interesting to note that, in Biblical times, mint was tithed, a clear indication of the value of this herb to the Pharisees.
And its value? Well, the aroma, of course, and the sweet taste it provides when added to various dishes. Egyptian mint has a flavor very much like apple mint. However, Egyptian mint, very much a wild mint, is a robust plant with sturdy stems and large gray leaves with a velvet texture. It grows up to 3 feet tall and boasts purple flowers. It grows well in full and partial sun, and it’s known to attract butterflies.
Apple Mint
薄荷,又称苹果薄荷、菠萝薄荷、羊毛薄荷或圆叶薄荷,原产于西欧地中海地区。这是一株大植物。它可以长到3英尺高。就像所有的薄荷糖一样,它通过跑步传播。
The light green leaves, slightly wrinkled, are somewhat hairy on top. The pink or white flowers grow in whorls on long spikes. This is an attractive plant and is often used for ornamental flower gardens. Like most mints, it’s hardy and easy to grow, to the point of being invasive. It prefers full sun.
This aromatic plant has a flavor that is both minty and fruity. Among many other culinary uses, the leaves of apple mint are used to make apple mint jelly and apple mint couscous. It makes a delicious fruity flavored mint tea, and it’s often used as a garnish or in salads.
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium, best known as pennyroyal or pennyrile, is also known as squaw mint, mosquito plant, and pudding grass. The leaves, when crushed, smell very much like spearmint. Pennyroyal is anold herb used for folk remediesas far back as the Greeks and Romans.
这个拉丁名字来源于pulex(跳蚤),用来描述它最基本的民间偏方之一:赶走跳蚤。希腊人和罗马人也把潘尼罗亚尔作为一种烹饪药草,通常与牛至和香菜等其他药草混合使用。虽然在古代烹饪中很受欢迎,但在当代烹饪中却失去了吸引力。
在医学上,pennyroyal在古代有很多用途,特别注意到它有毒的排出能力:包括流产的方法和消灭害虫的方法。在一些地区,还有响尾蛇。
这种草药还有更多积极的属性。Pennyroyal可以帮助治疗各种肠胃疾病,如便秘和痔疮。它对皮肤状况和牙痛也有好处。
Contemporary use of pennyroyal is minimal, although its oil is still commercially available, probably due to the uncertain toxic attributes of this herb and that in unknown quantities, it can be unsafe to use. In fact, recent history recordsmultiple cases of deaths caused by pennyroyal poisoning.
Editor Note:It’s important to note thatthis particular caseinvolved an individual that ingested a large amount of pennyroyal oil, rather than the leaves of the plant.
There are many more varieties. More types of mints, hybrids, and wild-growing mints, all with their own unique aroma and use, be it edible, medicinal or merely ornamental. But of my few favorites, the most versatile, sturdy and interesting mint, in my opinion, is the chocolate mint. It will always be my all-time favorite.
Michelle Shallsays
我听说过一些这种薄荷糖,但肯定不是所有的!这是一份令人着迷的花园梦清单。
I love harvesting pennyroyal tea! It grows so freely in our corner of the Ozarks–I always seem to find it with my feet before I find it with my eyes (it smells amazing when stepped on). I wanted to add a note on the “pennyroyal poisoning” link, though. The women who died are taking large amounts of hyper-concentrated pennyroyal oil (a bad move to begin with)…the amount of pulgone in a delicious cup of pennyroyal tea is absolutely negligible in comparison. No need to fear your evening cuppa!
Apparently, It’s a good natural insect repellent, too. I’ve read that you can rub your hands over the herbs in the field, then rub the oil on the back of your neck to help deter mosquitoes.
Leigha Staffenhagensays
谢谢你的评论,Michelle!我特别补充了一些关于便士皇家油的信息。
Leigha
Emily-Jane Hills Orfordsays
Thanks for sharing, Michelle. Some good minty tips.
Samantha Cortesays
我相信你所说的"柠檬薄荷"是柠檬香,梅利莎。我有很多,闻起来很好,有柠檬味,有点像象牙肥皂。我还有橙薄荷,又名佛手柑薄荷,看起来(和闻起来)明显不同。更像是格雷伯爵茶或香水(因此有了佛手柑)。
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Yes, you’re totally right. Thank you for the correction! Lemon balm is one of my favorites too!
Leigha
Donnasays
bergamot is what is used in Earl Grey tea.
Laurie Pattersonsays
The bergamot mint referred to above is also called bee balm or monarda, among other things. It’s different from the bergamot orange that is the flavoring for Earl Grey Tea. The mint is sometimes called bergamot because it has a similar smell/taste to the orange.
Cécilesays
Nice Article ! Very instructive