Mentha
I have placed quite a few plants on my roof. The landlord gave a tentative “OK”, though he says that his insurance co. specifically forbids tenants walking around up there. This is why I didn’t protest the recent rent increase. That, and there’s always hot water.
Anyway, I have lots of miniature roses (which I used to breed) some citrus (which I used to breed) beautiful chiltepin peppers, wild strawberries from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and one mint plant.
This mint is commonly known as “chocolate mint” (mentha x piperita f. citrata).
It makes a delicious drink when the leaves are steeped fresh. I do this all the time, and though the plant is vigorous – it looks poodle-esque from all the trimming I’ve done. It’s difficult to keep the æsthetics – I’m thirsty. It’s a beautiful little variety of mint and you can buy it anywhere now. It’s capricious, though – so be careful.
So the question is: What should I call this drink. IT IS NOT TEA. There is no TEA in this drink. Just mint.
Mint water? Mint juice? Mint tincture? I don’t know. But one thing it is not: Tea. No, I insist.
