ABOUT THE WILD PLANTS IN OUR RECIPES
MINT
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
What we use it for
Icing, Shrub, Syrub,Tea
Common mountain mint, Pycnanthemum virginianum
Native plant: Tallgrass prairie
Common mountain mint a very fragrant mint plant found throughout the Illinois tallgrass prairie. It is a good nectar plant for many native pollinators, and the leaves and flowers make an excellent flavoring in many desserts.
IMore information on Mountain Mint
Hairy Wood Mint, Blephilia hirsuta
Native plant: Woodland
Common mountain mint a very fragrant mint plant found throughout the Illinois tallgrass prairie. It is a good nectar plant for many native pollinators, and the leaves and flowers make an excellent flavoring in many desserts.
IMore information on Hairy Wood Mint https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/hairy_mint.htm
How to harvest
Select complete unmarred leaves and young tender stems.
Cut directly above the node on the stem.
Rinse gently in water.
Lay on toweling to dry. You do not want standing water on the plant material, but it cannot get too wilted and dried out.
Place in paper or ziplock bag.
Store in refrigerator until delivery.