1. Mint Yellow Kitchen Pd.2    Jaclyn Lawley Rylee Snyder Dana Alford Isa Humphry

2. Background Information • Mint is an herb. • It grows as bright green leaves on bushy plants. •  Most varieties of mint come from Europe or Asia, but some are native to North America and Australia. •  Mint's flavor is peculiar, being both sweet and cold.

3. Etymology • The word mint came from the Latin word "mentha" which originated from the Greek word "minthe." • Greek legend tells how Hades wife was angered with Minthe so she turned her into a plant. Hades took pity on her and gave her a lovely aroma that would sweeten the air when somebody walked on her.

4. Cultivation of Mint • Mint is a square stemmed perennial with pink or purple flowers. • Mint grows best in partial shade with lots of moisture. •  When planting mint it is best to use just rhizomes that have growth buds instead of seeds. • It does spread through roots so containing the plant is essential. when first planted keep plants in a bright area with a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. • Mint plants like well drained soil with little manure. •  Mint plants have been grown for centuries.

5. Varieties of Mint • Mint is a Genus of 25 species with over 600 varieties. • These varieties include: Chocolate mint, peppermint, banana mint, lavender mint, pineapple mint, apple mint, orange mint, and standard spearmint.

6. Culinary Use • Mint is most commonly used fresh, but oils and dried leaves are also used in a variety of dishes. •  Mint is used to add a cooling sensation to dishes and beverages. • Its flavor is used and spread world wide. • Some common dishes and beverages include; Mint Julep,Peppermint Balls, Chocolate Mint Truffles, and Mint Tea.

7. Medicinal Uses • Peppermint oil has been used to treat indigestion, headaches, colic,gingivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, spasms and rheumatism. • Mint is also used to resolve Bronchitis, colds, and throat infections. • Mint also aids sunburns, wasp stings, and itching. • Mint also helps sooth chest pains and mouth sores. • Mint is a very versatile herb when it comes to medicine.

8. Risks and Benefits of Mint • Benefits include:  • It relaxes muscles; has antiviral andbactericidal qualities; increases stomach acidity to aid digestion. • Risks include: • Alergic symptoms such as rash and headache. • Throat or airway closure in small children and adults who drink tea with menthol is also a risk.

9. Other Uses of Mint • Mint can be used as an ant repellent around the house. • Mint can aid concentration by simply sniffing it. • Mint is used in a variety of cosmetics;these include: • Toothpaste  • Mouthwash • Lotions  • Foot scrubs • Bath fizzes • Mint is also a very good fly repellent.  • It is also used i a variety of gum flavors.

10. Bibliography • http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/Specials%20and%20Holidays/Mint%20Origin%20Uses%20Recipes.htm • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha  • http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/mint.htm • http://www.mintrubbing.org/themintplant.pdf • http://www.superbherbs.net/mint.htm  • http://www.best-home-remedies.com/herbal_medicine/herbs/mint.htm

11. Jobs Distributed Jaclyn-     Health effects and medicinal purposes and varieties of herb. Dana-     Background Information and culinary uses. Rylee-     Etymology and other uses of the Herb. Isa-     Cultivation of the Herb and culinary uses.