Mentha spicata 'Verte vraie'

The true green mint is a bushy variety with evergreen foliage. Highly aromatic, its scent is pronounced. Its wide and long leaves, up to 8cm (3in), can be used fresh or dried. Sow from March to June for a harvest from May to November.

The leaves and tips of the shoots are consumed as condiments with salads, sauces, meats... They are also used in infusions, alone or with other aromatic plants, or with tea. Try it in hot chocolate, it's delicious.

Harvest: Harvest as needed. Choose the most important leaves and cut the entire stem to promote regrowth. Preferably harvest in the morning to preserve the mint's aromatic qualities.

Storage: If you don't use fresh leaves, you can dry them away from light and store them in a tightly closed jar.

Gardener's tip: Mint can quickly become invasive! If you want it in your garden, plant it in a buried pot. It doesn't like being near chamomile. Mint repels black aphids, ants, mosquitoes, fleas, and some rodents, including mice.