Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
Cantaloupe Melon
The cantaloupe is defined by two elements: its roughly netted stone and green colored skin and its aromatic orange-coral colored flesh. When perfectly ripe, the flesh is juicy, unctuous and sweet.
Seasons/Availability
Orange Mint is typically available during the summer months.
Current Facts
Orange mint is known as the Bergamot mint or eau de cologne. It is a citrus variety grown for its fragrant leaves. Mint is a natural bee attractor and insects pollinate up to 80% of the flowering plant population. Therefor, natural hybridization occurs often within the mint family. hence the evolution of orange mint as well as so many other mint varieties.
Applications
Orange mint is a flavor infuser for fruit teas and beverages. It may also be used as a garnish for sweet desserts and certain savory dishes. Despite its name, it should not be confused with bergamot tea, which is sourced from the oils of bergamot oranges.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
At one time only for the wealthy few, the Renaissance created an outgrowth of beautiful gardens designed purely for pleasure. No longer were herbs only cultivated by monks, apothecaries and cooks. Instead, those same plants took their place as decorative ornamentals and later found their way into kitchens worldwide.
Geography/History
Herb gardens were considered a must-have in early pioneer homes. As immigrants arrived and settled in the New World, varieties of herbs literally grew as well. Trading and exchanging of the plants increased the popularity and availability of herbs. Instantly recognizable, orange mint's rich green leaves grow on striking burgundy square stems. This mint hybrid cross produces white and pink attractive flowers bloom from mid- to late summer. Also called eau de cologne mint and Bergamot mint, the plant, botanically called Mentha piperita citrata, is a member of the peppermint species with a fruity-citrusy flavor and matching fragrance. Growing eight to ten inches tall, this perennial thrives in full sun and partial shade.
Orange Mint is typically available during the summer months.
Current Facts
Orange mint is known as the Bergamot mint or eau de cologne. It is a citrus variety grown for its fragrant leaves. Mint is a natural bee attractor and insects pollinate up to 80% of the flowering plant population. Therefor, natural hybridization occurs often within the mint family. hence the evolution of orange mint as well as so many other mint varieties.
Applications
Orange mint is a flavor infuser for fruit teas and beverages. It may also be used as a garnish for sweet desserts and certain savory dishes. Despite its name, it should not be confused with bergamot tea, which is sourced from the oils of bergamot oranges.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
At one time only for the wealthy few, the Renaissance created an outgrowth of beautiful gardens designed purely for pleasure. No longer were herbs only cultivated by monks, apothecaries and cooks. Instead, those same plants took their place as decorative ornamentals and later found their way into kitchens worldwide.
Geography/History
Herb gardens were considered a must-have in early pioneer homes. As immigrants arrived and settled in the New World, varieties of herbs literally grew as well. Trading and exchanging of the plants increased the popularity and availability of herbs. Instantly recognizable, orange mint's rich green leaves grow on striking burgundy square stems. This mint hybrid cross produces white and pink attractive flowers bloom from mid- to late summer. Also called eau de cologne mint and Bergamot mint, the plant, botanically called Mentha piperita citrata, is a member of the peppermint species with a fruity-citrusy flavor and matching fragrance. Growing eight to ten inches tall, this perennial thrives in full sun and partial shade.
