July · San Diego
Mint
Mint is cooling by nature and perfect in summer heat. A few leaves change the temperature of a dish or a drink entirely.
How to choose it
- Perky, upright leaves — not limp
- Deep green without yellowing
- Strongly fragrant when a leaf is pressed
- Spearmint or peppermint both work for this edition
Buy this much: One bunch. It goes further than you think.
One of the least expensive things in this basket — usually $1–2 a bunch at any grocery store.
During the week
- Cucumber and mint side salad
- Torn over yogurt with fruit
- Added to a salmon rice bowl
- Stirred into sparkling water with lime
On a weekend
In the Hillcrest Spritz. Or over a peach and blackberry plate with honey.
One thing worth learning
Slapping a mint leaf between your palms before using it releases the oils without bruising the leaf. It is worth doing.