Mentha citrata Bergamote

Bergamot Mint (Mentha citrata 'Bergamote') is a variety of peppermint with rounded leaves that release a citrus-scented fragrance. This hardy, perennial herbaceous plant can be grown in the ground or in a pot and will reach a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in). Its leaves are delicious in infusions, tea, or hot chocolate. They also add flavor to desserts. Plant in spring or autumn, harvest from March to October.

Mint is an aromatic bushy plant with highly fragrant foliage. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like lemon balm. Preferably install it in a semi-shaded area, although Mint can thrive almost anywhere. It is a perennial plant that will be cultivated for two or three years as, beyond that, it tends to exhaust itself and become less productive. Choose carefully where you want to plant it: Mint spreads very quickly thanks to its trailing roots. You can also grow it in a pot, which allows you to control its spread. It is ideal to install in the vegetable garden as Mint is known to deter unwanted insects from the garden, such as aphids and ants, as well as certain rodents. As for leaf harvesting, it can be done throughout the year, mainly from March to October.

There are many varieties of mint, the most well-known being green mint, peppermint, pennyroyal mint, and lemon mint. Depending on the varieties, the leaves will offer you a range of aromas. In cooking, use them from starters to desserts, to flavor salads and raw vegetables, summer grills, yogurt-based sauces, or fruits. The leaves are also delicious in infusions, tea, or hot chocolate.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves as you need them. Choose the largest leaves and cut the entire stem to encourage regrowth. Preferably harvest in the morning to fully enjoy the aromatic qualities of mint. If you want to dry the leaves, pick the stems before flowering.

Storage: Ideally, consume the freshly cut leaves. If you don't use the fresh leaves, dry the stems and store the leaves in a tightly closed jar, away from light.

Gardener's tip: If you want to plant mint in the vegetable garden while limiting its spread, plant it in a pot and bury the pot in the middle of your garden! Choose a large enough pot and regularly divide the clumps in autumn or spring.