Basil & Mint

Basil is spicy, slightly peppery and tastes a little like anise. It goes well with Italian dishes, flavoring salads, antipasti, herb sauces, shellfish, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and of course pizza.

Tip: add the basil to hot dishes just before serving.

Plant annual basil in a full-sun, wind-protected location with loose, nutrient-rich soil. Because of its large leaf surface, basil is very thirsty.

In a pot, it's best to water it from below (in a saucer). Be careful not to moisten the leaves when watering. This promotes fungal diseases in cool weather. To avoid this, the old lower leaves should always be removed.

Anyone who knows only one variety of basil has no idea of the wide range of variations that this plant offers.

hey differ mainly in fragrance and flavor, but also in their growth habit and color.

The African basil, for example, has green leaves with purple veins and a strong floral aroma. The Genovese basil has large green leaves and a very intense flavor. Red basil, with its dark purple leaves, is not only a fragrance and taste sensation, but also a feast for the eyes. Russian basil is distinguished by its red stems. Thai basil has purple stems and tastes of anise. Cinnamon basil has purple stems and smells of cinnamon. And the fruity-fresh Lemon basil tastes slightly of lemon.

Tip: try different varieties.

There are more than 30 types of mint. All smell and taste refreshing and aromatic. They flavor desserts, summer drinks and salads, as well as barbecues, meats and chutneys.

The fine fresh taste also goes well with lamb, goat, roast beef, minced meat, potatoes, fruit and chocolate.

As a location, this perennial plant likes sunny to partial shade. Since it is very thirsty, it must be watered regularly (avoid waterlogging). Remember that mint - depending on the variety - can grow up to a meter in height.

Nevertheless, it is suitable for the balcony, since you should cut it regularly. Caution: mint spreads throughout the flowerbed or balcony box within a few weeks and displaces other plants. Therefore, a root barrier is useful.

From findings in ancient Egyptian tombs, we know that peppermint was already known around 1200 BC. Later, mint was appreciated mainly for its fresh scent.

In ancient Rome, tables were cleaned with mint to remove the smell of old food. The floor was also sprinkled with it to stimulate the desire to eat. In addition, Greeks and Romans wore wreaths of mint on their heads during drinking parties to prevent a «hangover».

Finally, mint was even considered a symbol of passionate love. That is why Greek grooms adorned themselves with mint garlands on their wedding day.

Sailors were more pragmatic. It is said that they used peppermint against seasickness. It was also used to keep the drinking water on board fresh.