Mentha piperita Citaro

The Citaro English Mint is a variety of peppermint (Mentha piperata in Latin) whose pointed, dark green leaves give off a pronounced fragrance that is intermediate between mint and lemon. This hardy and perennial herbaceous plant can be grown in open ground, where it can become invasive, or preferably in a pot to contain its growth. This selection does not produce seeds but flowers in summer, in the form of small white flowers that are very attractive to bees.  Its fresh leaves will flavor your raw vegetables, grilled dishes, sauces, desserts, drinks, or infusions. It can be planted in spring or autumn, in any exposure, but in a rather moist soil. You can harvest it 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 spot, although Mint can virtually settle anywhere. It is a perennial plant that will be cultivated for two or three years because beyond that, it tends to become exhausted and 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 reputed to repel unwanted garden insects 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 spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, and lemon mint. Depending on the varieties, the leaves will offer you a whole range of aromas. 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 infusions, in tea or hot chocolate.

Harvesting: Harvest the leaves as you need them. Choose the largest leaves and cut the entire stem to promote regrowth. Preferably harvest in the morning to make the most of the mint's aromatic qualities. 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 closed jar, tightly sealed and protected from light.

Gardener's tip: If you want to grow 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 divide the clumps regularly, in autumn or spring.