Habek Mint
Estimated Inventory, bunch : 0
Description/Taste
Habek mint varies in height, reaching anywhere from 40 to 120 centimeters tall, and it spreads via underground roots to over 90 centimeters wide. When mature, the plant sprouts long, densely-clustered spikes of lilac, purple, or white edible flowers at the tips of its elongated stems. The narrow, pointed, oblong, gray-green leaves are soft and somewhat hairy, and they can measure anywhere from 4 to 10 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. Habek mint is aromatic with a strong camphor scent and offers a sharp peppermint flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Habek mint is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Habek mint is botanically classified as Mentha longifolia and belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint family. Its Latin name, longifolia, refers to the plant’s unusually long leaves. Habek mint is also commonly known as Wild mint, Bible mint, or Horse mint. It is commercially cultivated for its leaves and essential oil and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, tobacco, and cosmetic industries. Thanks to its aromatic leaves, Habek mint also serves as a natural repellent and is often grown near cabbages and tomatoes to deter pests.
Nutritional Value
Habek mint contains essential minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and magnesium. Its essential oil has natural compounds that give the plant its distinctive aroma and are also known for their stimulating, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Habek mint has historically been used in Middle Eastern traditional medicine, most commonly to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. A soothing tea can be made from the leaves to treat everything from coughs and colds to stomach cramps, indigestion, or headaches.
Applications
Habek mint can be used fresh or dried and is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisines. The fresh leaves are used in salads, chutneys, relishes, and various cooked dishes and can be used in place of spearmint. Habek mint is a key ingredient in the traditional Middle Eastern salad, tabbouleh, which is made of bulgar wheat, lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, mint, and various vegetables like cucumber. Habek mint leaves are also commonly used to make a soothing tea, while the peppermint-flavored oil may be used to flavor sweets. Habek mint can be stored fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week or dried and stored in an airtight container for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Habek mint has historically been used as a popular folk remedy in Arabic and Islamic medicine, such as in Iran, where it is valued for its beneficial effects on digestion. Since Habek mint is believed to have originally been cultivated in the Middle East, it is also thought to be the species of mint referenced in the New Testament as a form of currency, along with anise and cumin. Hence, Habek mint is often nicknamed Bible mint.
Geography/History
Habek mint grows extensively in the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. While the exact origins of Habek mint are unknown, it is thought to have originally been cultivated in the Middle East, where it is still widely cultivated today and has since been introduced to the United States. Habek mint grows in various climates, from woodlands to deserts to marine habitats, and like other mints, it is an aggressive spreader that can easily invade garden space if not contained. Habek mint can be found at specialty stores or local farmers markets in its growing regions.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Habek Mint. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Kylemox |
|
Luleh Kabobs (Armenian-style Lamb) |
Podcast
