Mentha citrata Goût d'Orange

The Orange Flavored Mint (Mentha citrata 'Orange Flavored') is a variety with rounded leaves that emit a fragrance with notes of orange. This hardy and perennial herbaceous plant can be grown in open ground or in a pot. It will reach a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in). Its leaves will flavor your salads, grills, sauces, desserts, or infusions. Plant in spring or autumn, harvest from March to October.

The 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 location, although Mint can be grown almost anywhere. It is a perennial plant that will be cultivated for two or three years because after that, it tends to become less productive. Choose carefully the place 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 reputed to repel 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 whole range of fragrances. In cooking, use them from appetizers to desserts, to flavor salads and raw vegetables, summer grills, yogurt-based sauces, or fruits. The leaves are also delicious in infusion, in tea or hot chocolate.

Harvest: The leaves are harvested as needed. Choose the largest leaves and cut the complete stem to promote 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 then store the leaves in a tightly closed jar, protected 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.