Peppermint, 50g

Peppermint, 50g

Dried peppermint comes from the Mentha × piperita plant, a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. It has a strong, cooling flavour due to its high menthol content. Once dried, peppermint leaves retain their intense minty aroma and taste, making them a popular ingredient in herbal teas, cooking, baking, and home remedies.

Flavour Profile:

• Cool, refreshing, and slightly sweet
• Stronger flavour than spearmint
• A distinct menthol-like cooling sensation

Common Uses for Dried Peppermint

1. Herbal Teas and Infusions

One of the most common uses of dried peppermint is for herbal tea. Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free and known for its soothing and digestive benefits.

How to Use:

• Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes to make a refreshing tea.
• Combine with chamomile, ginger, or liquorice root for added flavour and benefits.

2. In Cooking and Baking

Dried peppermint can add a cool, minty twist to various sweet and savoury dishes.

How to Use:

• Sprinkle into chocolate desserts (brownies, cakes, cookies) for a peppermint-chocolate combination.
• Use in homemade ice cream or yoghurt for a minty flavour.
• Add to Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes, such as tabbouleh or lamb marinades, for a fresh herbaceous note.

3. In Homemade Spice Blends

Peppermint is sometimes used in spice blends for Middle Eastern and North African dishes. It adds a bright, refreshing contrast to earthy spices like cumin and coriander.

How to Use:

• Blend with oregano, thyme, and parsley for a unique seasoning mix.
• Add to homemade dry rubs for meats, especially lamb.

4. In Drinks and Cocktails

Peppermint is a popular ingredient in cocktails, mocktails, and flavoured waters.

How to Use:

• Infuse in cold water with lemon for a refreshing drink.
• Add to mojitos, mint juleps, or iced teas.
• Mix with honey and warm milk for a soothing bedtime drink.

5. In Skincare and DIY Beauty

Peppermint is often used in homemade skincare for its cooling and refreshing effects.

How to Use:

• Add dried peppermint to bath salts or foot soaks for a cooling effect.
• Infuse into facial steams to refresh the skin.
• Mix with sugar and coconut oil for a peppermint body scrub.

Health Benefits of Dried Peppermint

• Aids Digestion – Helps with bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
• Relieves Headaches & Stress – Menthol has a natural cooling effect that can ease tension headaches.
• Supports Respiratory Health – Helps with congestion and sinus relief.
• May Reduce Nausea – Used as a natural remedy for motion sickness.
• Rich in Antioxidants – Helps fight free radicals in the body.