Importance of Mint Leaves as a Herb In Food

Posted by Hexa Food Sdn. Bhd. on August 30th, 2017

Dishes that taste the best inevitably feature herbs, both for the flavour and for health benefits they add to the dish. Mint brings a feeling of freshness to the dish, the luxuriant green and the sharp taste adding great appeal to the dish.  One of the most interesting aspects of herbs is the effect it brings on the dish despite the miniscule quantity used. It actually speaks volumes about the effects packed in by herbs, pinch for pinch. We move across the chopping board to take a look at the reasons that make mint leaves important in food. 

Great promoter of digestion 

Probably one of the bigger problems faced by many individuals is the problem of indigestion. It can kill appetite and turn the best meal into a harrowing experience of being unable to enjoy it. Mint leaves promote digestion and leave a soothing effect on the stomach. This helps to do away with irritation, while helping individuals relish the meal. It is the same mint which is used for deriving menthol which is prescribed for motion sickness. 

Add zing to the preparation 

Mint is similar to the icing on a cake. All it takes are a few leaves of fresh mint on the dish to dramatically elevate a dish to celebrity chef levels. It adds zing to the dish, highlighting and drawing attention to the flavours. Presentation is king in dishes, which can be seen from the way attention is paid to garnishing. A touch of green, contrasts vividly with the preparation building up interest in the dish long before it is tasted. 

Strong antioxidant 

Mint is touted to possess strong antioxidant qualities that qualify it as a potent ingredient to combat allergies.  It neutralises free radicals and keeps allergies at bay. The higher levels of rosemarinic acid in mint leaves pushes it atop the must have list of ingredients in dishes. The inflammatory qualities of rosemarinic acid in mint will extend to the food consumed making it easy on the palate while enslaving the taste buds with an appetizing flavour. 

Vitamin C for greater immunity, in addition to Vitamins D and E 

Mint has reasonable levels of Vitamin C which helps to shore up the body’s immune system. The high nutrient value contributes to the building up of the body’s defences. This lends mint leaves a quality making it necessary to feature as an ingredient in the dish. In addition to Vitamin C, other Vitamins like D and E make it a great way to maintain healthy skin. Not only does it make an individual better on the inside, it helps to make one appear better externally. 

Mint leaves, native to Europe and Asia have been a part of traditional dishes globally.  Probably one of the biggest advantages of mint leaves have been their ability to blend in with any dish, globally.  The effect of the herbs, combined with the aromatic flavour and the fresh taste it gives to every mouthful of food, make it a wonder herb of everyday use. 

About the Author: 

This article is written by Eddie, who is the sales manager at Hexa Food Sdn. Bhd. It is HALAL and HACCP Certified food manufacturing company that supply herbs, spices and seasoning products in Malaysia at affordable rates.