Mint It All!

From cool lime mint coolers, dips, chutneys, acne treatment and adding fragrance to your biryanis, this little herb has manifold benefits. It also has many curative properties - right from indigestion to cough and cold. As an antioxidant, it helps replenish and rejuvenate metabolism. Mint is also an immune system booster and has researched for its anti-cancer properties that can be used in drugs. It’s immensely helpful in reducing kidney stones too.

Moroccans make use of mint in the best possible manner. Traditional Moroccon mint tea is a staple drink that is catching on fast in the international food and beverage scenario. It has been widely appreciated for its taste and the health benefits as it includes green tea and mint. Here’s how to make Moroccan mint tea:

Ingredients:

• Mint Leaves - a few sprigs (preferably fresh and tender).
• Sugar - according to taste (palm sugar was originally used in this drink. It, however, tastes good even with the regular sugar available in stores).
• Boiling water - a kettle (3-4 cups).
• Green Tea - 1 tsp (Darjeeling tea leaves can be substituted. Green tea should be of fine quality and look like gun powder when used).

Method:

Pluck the tenderest and freshest of green mint leaves. Choose the best palm sugar. Heat water in a kettle and add the mint leaves and sugar, along with the best quality tea leaves. Take it off the fire and let it stay for five minutes. Voila! Enjoy your Moroccan mint tea!

Note: Mint tea made in a microwave oven also yields good results. The trick is to not boil the leaves along with water. This would make the tea bitter. Boiled water should be removed separately and tea leaves should be left to sit in the water. Filter and reheat the drink if necessary.