While you may be very familiar with certain mint varieties including spearmint and peppermint, you may not have heard of pineapple mint before! Pineapple mint is an herb that is in fact part of the mint family; however it has a sweeter, fruitier flavor. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes and is even said to have certain healing properties as well. This sweet tasting and smelling mint variety if perfect for the gardener who wants to try growing something new and exciting!
Pineapple mint is a fun and frugal plant to grow, and because it is a perennial you don’t need to worry about planting it year after year. If you choose, you can even grow a pot of it indoors near a sunny window so you can enjoy the benefits of this plant all year long. If you are interested in learning more about the uses for pineapple mint, take a look below at 10 ways you can use this sweet herb.
If you are having trouble finding pineapple mint at any of your local gardening centers or markets, you can always order fresh plants and seeds online. While searching it seems as though a 3 inch potted plant will cost around $5.00 plus shipping. The Grower’s Exchange offers pineapple mint plants for around $5.95 for a 3.5 inch pot.
10 Uses for Pineapple Mint:
1. Toss in your fruit salad.
Pineapple mint pairs well with tropical fruits such as mango. Chop a variety of fruits up and toss some whole or chopped pineapple mint leaves in. Allow the mixture to set in a refrigerator for an hour before serving so the flavors have time to infuse.
2. Use as a beverage garnish or infusion.
Iced tea, tropical fruit smoothies, and even hot teas can all be given a garnish or infusion of flavor from pineapple mint. You can add the leaves and then strain, or toss the leaves in as a garnish and leave them be. You can also freeze chopped pineapple mint into ice cubes to flavor your cold drinks gradually. The choices are endless.
3. Give your meat a flavorful kick.
Pineapple mint pairs well with lamb and chicken. Add a few springs to your marinade and give your meats a unique flavor you won’t soon forget. You can even try it on fish for a taste straight from the islands!
4. Give salsa and chutney a boost.
Any salsa recipe can be made better when you chop up and add some pineapple mint leaves. It gives a sweet yet refreshing flavor that makes fresh dips such as salsas and chutneys even more yummy. Make vegetable salsas and chutneys or even fruit based ones for some sweet fun!
5. Muddle that mint away!
Pineapple mint is excellent when muddled and put in pina coladas or mojitos. Their tropical flavors mix well with the fruity flavor and aroma of the pineapple mint, making them the perfect pair.
6. Glaze your ham.
Pineapple mint can be turned into a simple syrup when boiled with 1 part sugar to 2 parts water. Use that syrup then when glazing your next ham for a truly delightful flavor that will win you rave reviews.
7. Use as ground cover or border plant.
Pineapple mint is perfect for use in borders and for ground cover. Plant it in the areas of your yard you could use some coverage and watch it go! The white and green leaves make it attractive as well and help you create a visually appealing as well as a practical landscape. No worries, it won’t take over your yard like other mint varieties do.
8. Attract butterflies and bees.
Butterflies and bees are attracted to the sweet scent of pineapple mint. Plant around your yard and invite these fancy critters in for a visit!
9. Freshen up a small space.
A few pineapple mint sprigs in a vase are a great way to freshen up a small space. Place in a bathroom, office space, guest bedroom, or anywhere that could benefit from the sweet and tropical scent.
10. Dry for crafting.
Dried pineapple mint leaves are perfect for potpourri, making dried wreaths, swags, and other dried floral arrangements. Even when dry the scent still lingers nicely and can really spice up a space with both visual appeal and excellent aroma!
If you are looking for a way to bring the tropics to your own backyard, give pineapple mint a try and see how easy it is to use in a variety of ways. If you are ready to get busy with pineapple mint right away, take a look below at a simple recipe for Pineapple Mint Salad. This salad will pair well with any grilled items at your next cook out or gathering.
- ½ pineapple, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- 8-10 pineapple mint leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Once all of your ingredients are diced, minced, and chopped, you simply add them to a bowl and toss well.
This mixture makes for one tangy yet sweet combination, and will pair well next to fish or grilled chicken. You can even grill or toast a thick bread and serve the mixture on top if you wish for a unique and tasty appetizer.
As you can see, there is a lot of fun to be had with pineapple mint. Give these uses a try and see how easy it is to incorporate this plant into your daily life!
jamie says
What about using it for extract? I make my own vanilla extract and it is amazing. I have a very healthy Pineapple mint plant that I have to harvest soon or an early Montana freeze will kill it. I am just not sure if this particular plant is good for extract.
Rich from FrugalityMagazine.com says
Silly question but does pineapple mint actually taste like pineapple like lemongrass tastes of lemon or is the taste more subdued? Just thinking this could be a great way to add some fruity flavors to recipes when it’s far too cold to grow actual pineapples!
Alea Milham says
While it smells like pineapple, then pineapple taste is very mild.
Hazel says
Yes! It’s been part of my garden for at least ten years. I love that it not only looks great, it taste great. It makes a beautiful tea, great for relaxation and also makes a super seasoning for lamb. Its hard to find at the garden center , so I have shared it with many neighbors. Be sure to plant some, it will make you happy. Enjoy!! Hazel.