Fresh and Fragrant: Exploring the Versatility of Peppermint Leaves

     I have a bad habit of buying plants that sound fun or unique, but when it's time to harvest them, I realize I don't know anything about it. Thus, here I am writing to tell you what I have learned about the ever-so-spreading peppermint plant in my backyard. Thankfully, I planted it in a container. I'm sure I had plenty of ideas on how to use the peppermint plant upon purchase, but here I am now wondering what I am going to do with all of these very aromatic leaves. Let's dive in and discover the many uses of the medicinal herb. Starting with my favorite so far:


Homemade Peppermint Essential Oil
    Although you cannot make "true" essential oil from the peppermint without proper distillation (which requires some equipment if you're wanting to try), you can make a similar variation. Here is the recipe I follow:
1 cup peppermint leaves
1 cup olive oil (or another similar oil such as grapeseed)

Directions:
1. Crush the leaves by using a pistil and mortar or by cutting them with a knife.
2. Add the leaves and oil to a glass jar; store in a cool, dry place.
3. Shake once a day for 4-6 weeks.
4. Strain out leaves with a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
4. Done! Keep it stored in a cool, dry place in a glass jar. It can last 3-6 months.

Current batch marinating
@amateurndgardener Follow for more garden DIY! What’s your favorite use for peppermint? #gardentok #peppermintoil #peppermint #diy ♬ BILLIE EILISH. - Armani White


   My favorite uses for homemade peppermint "essential" oil:
  • Use in a DIY mouthwash or toothpaste recipe
  • Massage oil
  • Add to diffuser (though may not be as potent as store-bought essential oil)
  • Hair care
  • Skin care
  • Use it for cooking
*Disclaimer: It is not true peppermint essential oil because it has not been through a distilling process. Use at your own discretion.

    Here are a few more uses for peppermint leaves if peppermint oil is not on your to-do list:
  • Add to your favorite drinks! Mmmmojito's 😁
  • Peppermint tea
  • Spice up your water
  • Freshen up your breath 💋 It's almost as good as gum!
  • Insect repellant
  • Dry them for later use (dehydrator, oven, or good ole fashioned hang drying)
    Last but not least, here are some tips for picking the best peppermint leaves:
  • Choose the most vibrant green leaves free of damage
  • Pick them in the morning when they have the most flavor
  • Use a scissors or pruner to avoid damaging the plant
  • Harvest throughout the growing season to encourage new growth, careful not to over prune
Happy picking!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Sweet Journey: Strawberry Tips

Image
       Do you see my decoy strawberries? 😂      In life, the simplest things often teach us the most useful lessons. Little did I know that growing my first strawberry would be more than just a delightful gardening experience; it became a transformative journey of personal growth. I wish I could say this particular strawberry plant was the first one to grow and thrive in my first house, but it actually took me 3 years to get it right.     Trial and error, as most gardeners probably know, is what it took to finally get a strawberry plant to thrive in my quaint little backyard garden paradise. The excitement from not only me, but also from my children as they got to pick their very first bright red strawberry, made every struggle from the past 3 years worth it. Growing this strawberry became an embodiment of resilience, reminding me that hurdles are merely stepping stones on the path to personal development. Each day that I spent in my ga...
Read more

Mid-Gardening Tips

Image
       Gardening is more than just a hobby or way to beautify our surroundings; it is a valuable tradition that has been handed down through generations. As I weed my garden every morning (okay, maybe not EVERY morning), I am reminded that the seeds of my gardening knowledge have been shared with me by friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Those knowledge seeds have been watered by their ancestors before them. It is easy to do a quick google search to find the relevant information you are looking for, but the most admirable wisdom comes from those who have endured many years of failures before us. I want to pay a tribute to the wisdom acquired from our ancestors and emphasize the passing down of knowledge to the next generation. Therefore; Here are some tips and tricks I have learned recently: Prune your tomatoes.      This technique is very new to me. After planting your tomato plants and after the initial transplant shock, you should prune all b...
Read more

Dakota Blooms Featured on Matthew's Planet!

Image
       Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. Dakota Blooms has been featured on the illustrious platform called Matthew's Planet . This website seeks out unique niche blogs that offer captivating content, and I feel incredibly honored to be chosen.       Matthew's Planet is dedicated to capturing the essence of a diverse range of niche blogs. With an appreciation for both intriguing content and stunning art designs, they curate a collection of blog posts that take readers on an inspiring journey within various fields of interest. By offering an opportunity for bloggers to gain exposure and reach new audiences, Matthew's Planet has become a go-to platform for discovering exceptional blogs that stand out.       Thank you to Matthew's Planet for recognizing the quality and niche of Dakota Blooms. This recognition is deeply treasured and encourages our continued growth with...
Read more