Habek Mint
Photo: Chris Paulk
About
Habek Mintis (known as horse or wild mint) is one of the true Middle East varieties used for the authentic "tabuleh" using bulgar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, plenty of parsley & mint, cool vegetables and maybe sunflower seeds. Two inch, very narrow, bluish-green leaves have a completely different look from other mints. Habek requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings; this plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
The flowers are fragrant and bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Information
Physical Description
The robust mint has pointed smoothly hairy leaves with a camphoraceous smell. The flowers are in long pointed spikes of mauve whorled florets like the flower spikes of the buddleia shrub from which it gets its common name.
Tasting Notes
Selecting and Buying
Preparation and Use
It is used in Middle Eastern and Greek cooking. The leaves are peppermint- scented and used as a flavoring in salads chutneys and cooked foods. A herb tea is made from the leaves. An essential oil obtained from the leaves and flowering tops is used as a food flavoring in sweets etc. A peppermint-like taste.
Conserving and Storing
Dry the leaves and store in an airtight container.