Tanacetum balsamita

Tanacetum balsamita bears large leaves that give off a fragrance reminiscent of mint, although it does not belong to the genus Mentha. It is used for the production of liqueurs. This herbaceous, hardy and perennial plant can be grown in open ground or in a pot. It will reach a height of 80cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft). 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. Plant it in a semi-shaded location, although it can be planted almost anywhere. It is a perennial plant that should be cultivated for two or three years because 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. Plant it in a vegetable garden where its aroma will repel unwanted 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 balm. Depending on the varieties, the leaves will provide a whole range of aromas. In cooking, use them from starter to dessert, to flavour salads and raw vegetables, summer grills, yogurt-based sauces, or fruits. The leaves are also delicious in infusion, in tea or hot chocolate.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves as needed. Choose the largest leaves and cut the complete 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 do not use the fresh leaves, dry the stems and then store the leaves in a tightly closed jar, protected from light.

The 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.