Friday, August 17, 2012

Redefining Mint…Forever




Summer is waning (sniff sniff) and it’s time for our large mint patch to flower.  I’m told by knowing old-time neighbors that a hidden artesian spring – one sadly covered over and rerouted to its source by previous owners of the property – explains why this volunteer patch does so well, even in drought situations.  No doubt some waters are still seeping up to the surface of the earth, and probably this spot behind the seawall is the point of least resistance. 

This afternoon I noticed the tall stems dressed in fragrant leaves had abruptly sprouted Tinkerbelle-sized heads wearing hats made of tiny purple blossoms.  It’s as if the whole patch suddenly decided to put on Easter bonnets.  Dress-up at its best.

I knew mint flowers are supposed to be edible (as well as the leaves, of course), so I tried just the teeniest bite with my front teeth – a snip – that I continued to chew, nibbling like a chipmunk.

POW!  MINT CONCENTRATE!  Breath freshener at its best! Who knew such delicate, girly-looking little blossoms could pack this kind of punch?




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