Peppermint Patch I just found

**CrazyCat** · 06-29-2009, 09:28 PM

How could I have missed this? I'm outside looking at ds#2's new truck...I smell peppermint.

As I walk over...I see this huge peppermint patch on the ground that dh just filled over about a month ago. (It was a ditch we put in an underground pipe through...)

What possible frugal way can I get use out of this? I admit that I don't use much peppermint for cooking..even at christmas., But this is SO fragrant.......I need to do something.

**spyzvixxen** · 06-29-2009, 09:41 PM

First thing that comes to mind is mint jelly if you're adventurous.

**starsapphire** · 06-29-2009, 11:12 PM

dry the leaves for tea

**dolphin** · 06-29-2009, 11:29 PM

Tea, Potpourie (sp), dehydrate for later use. Give away. ???

**mauimagic** · 06-29-2009, 11:46 PM

Tea sounds wonderful to me too - makes me want to plant some peppermint!!

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-30-2009, 12:37 AM

This looks good: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/i...ipe/index.html

**frugalfranny** · 06-30-2009, 01:40 AM

Oh yeah........tea for sure.

I don't know about your area......but don't put it in your garden...it is invasive.

It may have been that when he filled in the ditch he kicked up some seeds that were in the ground. That is how I got lemon balm this year......had been digging where it showed up. Put it in a pot...will keep it there.

**Pamela** · 06-30-2009, 03:52 AM

Fesh peppermint how nice!!! Used to have a neighbor who would make mint apple jelly, oh soooo good!!!! Have fun with it!!:

fdance:Quit smoking May 7th

need to count

squares for charity done
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121.00

June Challange 4/4

got organized working on squares

**Grainlady** · 06-30-2009, 06:50 AM

Mint is extremely invasive!!! Gardeners tend to have more problems getting rid of mint than they do getting it started. I bury #10 cans with both ends removed from the can to keep the roots from spreading. Or you can bury a large container and plant the mint in the buried pot.

-You can mince fresh mint and combine it with plain yogurt and sliced cucumbers.

-Mint Water: Twist or bruise 1 cup of peppermint, spearmint, or other mint. Place in a clean half-gallon container. Fill with water. Chill in refrigerator. Strain. Serve on ice.

I dry mint in the oven with the oven light on to use for mint tea or mixed in with other types of tea.

Keep the mint cut or even mowed in really large plots of it, to keep it "pretty". Cutting it makes it more lush and full. In the late fall, after your final harvest, cut back plants to the ground. Mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in the spring. As with most herbs, spring is the BEST time for harvesting. The young, tender leaves and stems have more flavor than the older ones, which tend to become woody.

**CrazyCat** · 06-30-2009, 08:41 AM

Thank you so much for all your ideas. I had to pick the best answer...and since I have NO experience with mint...I loved Grainlady's explanation and directions for the tea.

I can't wait to get home and dig some up to put in a pot. Maybe I can even bring it in the house...and let the mint fragrance my house~LOL!