Mentha x piperita f. citrata (Lemon Mint)

Mentha x piperita f. citrata, also known as Lemon Mint, is a strong-growing perennial bearing green leaves with serrated edges with a distinctive lemon flavor. It produces tiny pale purple flowers in dense spikes in late summer. Lemon Mint is widely cultivated in many parts of the world and commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications.

Lemon Mint Culinary Uses

Lemon Mint is commonly used in culinary applications to add a lemon-mint flavor to dishes. Some popular culinary uses of lemon mint include:

As a tea ingredient: Lemon mint can be used to make tea, either on its own or in combination with other herbs.

In cocktails: Lemon mint is a popular ingredient in cocktails, particularly those with a citrus or mint flavor profile.

In desserts: Lemon mint can be used to flavor ice creams, sorbets, and other desserts.

In sauces and marinades: Lemon mint can be used to add flavor to sauces, marinades, and other culinary preparations.

In salads: Lemon mint can be used to add flavor to salads, particularly those with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Lemon Mint Medicinal Uses

Lemon Mint has several medicinal uses, primarily due to its refreshing aroma and natural compounds. Some of the medicinal uses of lemon mint include:

Digestive aid: Lemon mint is often used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as indigestion, nausea, and bloating.

Headache relief: Lemon mint can be used as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines, as its scent has been shown to have a soothing effect on the head and neck.

Aromatherapy: Lemon mint has a fresh, lemon-like aroma that can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and uplift mood.

Natural insect repellent: Lemon mint has been shown to repel insects, making it a popular natural alternative to chemical insecticides.

It’s important to note that while lemon mint may have potential medicinal benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. If you’re considering using lemon mint for medicinal purposes, it’s best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider first.

Growing Lemon Mint

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-60 in. wide (30-150 cm).
• Performs best in poor, moist soils in full sun or partial shade. Lemon Mint, however, adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones.
• This aromatic herb can be used as a garden specimen, ground cover, in herbs and kitchen gardens, and in vegetable gardens.
• It is a vigorous grower that will spread all over the place and could become invasive. You can plant it in raised beds, pots, or containers to keep it within bounds.
• You can also grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.
• Lemon Mint is extremely easy to grow and relatively low maintenance.
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep the leaves clean.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Check out for leafhoppers, caterpillars, powdery mildew, or mint rust.
• Mint is deer and rabbit resistant and toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fresh or dried leaves of Mints repel mice and rats.
• Mint may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed, sowing in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Softwood cuttings may be taken in the spring.

Companion Planting

Mint is an excellent companion plant.

• Mint repels Pests: Mint has a strong scent that can deter pests such as aphids, black flies, cabbage moths, cabbageworms, cabbage maggots, flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, and ants.
• Mint improves Growth: Mint is said to enhance the growth of other plants by improving soil quality and releasing beneficial compounds into the soil.
• Mint attracts Beneficial Insects: Mint flowers are a source of nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help pollinate nearby plants or prey on garden pests.

Do not plant Mint in the ground near your vegetables to prevent it from taking over your vegetable crops. Use Mint foliage as mulch or keep it in pots.

Find here the list of best and worst companion plants for Mints

Harvesting and Storing Mint

Mint is best harvested just before the plant starts to flower when the essential oils and flavor are at their peak. Here are some tips for harvesting mint:

• Pruning: Harvest only the young leaves, as they are more flavorful than the mature ones. Cut the stem tips of the plant back to about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) from the ground using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• Timing: Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
• Frequency: Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy and productive.
• Drying: To dry mint, tie the stems together in bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, crumble them into a jar and store them in a cool, dark place.
• Freezing: Another option is to freeze mint leaves by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer.