This hardy kitchen herb is a total game-changer for your garden. Unlike most mint varieties that pack a heavy menthol punch, strawberry mint is incredibly fruity and subtle. It’s the perfect secret ingredient for leveling up your drinks, desserts, and homemade jams. Ready to get creative? Here are my favorite ways to use strawberry mint!
Flavor Profile and Health Benefits
If you gently rub a leaf between your fingers, you’ll immediately catch that sweet, unmistakable scent of fresh strawberries. Fun fact: if you crush the leaves, some people say they smell exactly like Black Forest cake! That fruity aroma makes it a natural fit for refreshing summer drinks or as a garnish for fancy desserts. But it’s not just about the taste—strawberry mint is actually packed with good stuff like:
- Essential oils
- Bitter compounds
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
These natural components have a cooling, antispasmodic effect and can help with inflammation or minor aches. It’s also a great go-to for clearing up congestion, and many gardeners swear by it as a calming herb to help soothe the nerves after a long day.
Brewing the Perfect Herbal Iced Tea
Strawberry mint makes a killer herbal iced tea. To whip up a batch, bring a quart of water to a boil, then let it sit for a few minutes so it’s not scalding. Toss in some thinly sliced fresh ginger, along with a handful of fresh herbs—I love a mix of strawberry mint, thyme, and lemon balm. Stir in a bit of honey for sweetness and let it steep overnight in the fridge. Serve it over ice the next day for the ultimate refresher!
Make a Custom Fruit Spread
You can easily upgrade any store-bought or homemade berry jam by stirring in some finely chopped strawberry mint. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a dedicated mint jelly! You’ll need about 3.5 ounces (100g) of fresh leaves. Pour a cup of boiling water over the leaves, let them steep for about 15 minutes, and then strain. Mix that minty infusion with two cups of apple juice, 18 ounces of jam sugar (pectin sugar), and a splash of lemon juice. Bring it to a boil for a few minutes while stirring constantly, then pour it into sterilized jars. It’s delicious on toast or paired with cheese!
