Korean Mint
Korean Mint is an aromatic herb, that has a minty, sweet, anise flavor. Almost like licorice or the Dutch ‘drop’. With purple stems and purple and green round shaped leaves, the microgreen has a delicate appearance. This type of mint is native to East Asia. In Korea, where the herb is mostly consumed, Korean Mint is mostly used as a last-minute addition to fish stews or sliced finely and added to pancakes.
Chefs like to use our Korean Mint mostly to top off their dishes. Not only does this beautiful mint add tons of flavor to the dish, but the beautiful green leaves also gives a real kick to the dish’s appearance.
History and Fun Facts
Traditionally used in Korean cuisine, its leaves are commonly added to dishes like kimchi and stews for their aromatic flavor. The plant has a long history in herbal medicine, where it has been valued for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving cold symptoms. A fun fact about Korean mint is that it produces vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators, making it a good tool for gardeners and a popular choice for edible landscaping.
Culinary Uses
Korean Mint is a versatile and aromatic herb that can be used in many ways. Boil the mint to a refreshing tea, slice the leaves up finely and mix it into salads or mix the mint into ice cream or other desserts.
The strong, sweet anise flavor of Korean Mint lends itself well to a variety of culinary applications. It’s commonly used to infuse teas, where its licorice-like sweetness provides a refreshing and soothing beverage. The herb also works wonderfully in desserts, such as ice creams, sorbets, and cakes, where its sweet minty notes add complexity. In savory dishes, Korean Mint can be used as a garnish for salads or added as a garnish, pairing particularly well with lamb, chicken, and seafood.
For inspiration you can see how Tollius used this Microgreen in their dessert dish. The minty and anise like flavor pairs really well with the cherry and dried apple, combined with ice cream for added freshness.
Korean Mint attributes
- Minty flavor with a strong, sweet anise/licorice notes
- Ideal for infusing teas and desserts like ice creams and sorbets
- Pairs well with lamb, chicken, and seafood
- Great as a garnish for salads
- Bold, aromatic herb with attractive purple flowers