I’ve stopped purchasing mint altogether; instead, I cultivate it right on my balcony, and the aroma is simply delightful.

Mint, especially in the summertime, proves to be incredibly versatile. Its fresh fragrance and distinctive flavor can turn a simple lemonade into a refreshing mocktail, a pitcher of tea into a revitalizing beverage, or a mundane salad into an enticing dish reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant. It’s truly indispensable.

Moreover, mint boasts a plethora of health benefits: aiding digestion, reducing bloating, acting as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, while also providing a tonic and stimulating effect.

When freshly plucked, mint leaves are a sight to behold, but even dried, they make for perfect infusions during the winter months.

However, in the summertime, it seems counterintuitive to purchase mint when it can be effortlessly cultivated in a pot or garden. By doing so, we not only reap its health benefits but also enhance mental clarity, as evidenced by its etymology derived from “mentis,” Latin for “mind,” highlighting its historical association with cognitive sharpness and improved memory.

Mint is incredibly resilient, requiring minimal care while offering bountiful leaves in return.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Acquire a mint plant or gather cuttings from existing ones to propagate indefinitely.
2. Select a sturdy, healthy stem measuring at least 10 centimeters.
3. Strip away all but the top 4 or 5 leaves and place the cutting in a tall glass filled with water.
4. Position the glass in a well-lit area indoors and within about ten days, new roots will emerge, indicating it’s ready for planting.
5. Fill a pot with soil, fertilize it, and gently plant the cutting, ensuring not to damage the delicate roots.
6. Cover the cutting with soil and water regularly with fresh water.
7. With proper care, the mint plant will flourish in no time. Regular pruning, especially of the outermost leaves, will encourage growth and provide ample leaves for seasoning our summer dishes.

It’s a straightforward process with rewarding results!