Discover our french sweet Mint infusion

SWEET MINT

Type: Mentha spicata

Familly: Lamiacées

Species: perennial aromatic herb

 

The Mint of this infusion grows ideally on the territory of Drôme. The characteristics of the land of this department which oscillates between Vercors and Provence offer this plant an ideal place to live.

   

 

Perennial plant, this Mint reveals a very characteristic fresh taste in infusion. Mint is one of the essentials of the infusion. Its refreshing notes immediately bring a pleasant sensation on the palate.

Called Sweet Mint or Spearmint, Mentha spicata is one of the most "attractive" species of Mint. The Sweet Mint contains menthol, which creates a pleasant feeling of freshness, for a drink with a vibrant flavor.

Mint, under its general name because it is present in many varieties, was known and appreciated by the ancients. The Assyrians, the Babylonians but also Dioscorides used it abundantly to fight against many evils. In the 19th century, Trousseau recommended it for its digestive properties. It is even said that Hippocrates and Aristotle considered it an anaphrodisiac! Leclerc, with others, considered the Mint to be a stimulant "very specific to love games". Several legends mention the Mint. In Greek mythology, Hades, god of darkness, is said to have courted Minthé, a nymph (female deity of inner rank). His wife Persephone, jealous of this adulterous relationship, transformed the nymph into a mint plant! Hades unable to bring Minthé back to life, gave him his scent.

Mint has been used for centuries. Plants have indeed been found in the tomb of an illustrious Egyptian, dating from the year -1000. This perennial plant was cultivated by many civilizations for its virtues. It has a very rich history.

Mint is a perennial plant native to Europe. Today it can be found all over the world. There are about 69 species of Mint, many were born by hybridization. These species include more than 600 varieties of Mint. Mint is a perennial herb known and appreciated for its aromatic qualities. It has also been used since Antiquity for its virtues. It is easy to cultivate, as long as it has moist soil and regular sunshine. It can even become invasive in a garden where it likes! The whole plant spreads an aromatic and penetrating odor.

Mint is an excellent condiment, chopped raw in salads or in various dishes. It can also be flavored with creams, custards, fruit salads and drinks. Mint essential oil and menthol are widely used in pharmacy, perfumery, confectionery and the liquor industry. It goes without saying that Mint is also an essential plant in the field of infusion.

 

OUR SWEET MINT INFUSION FROM THE VERCORS

France has so much to offer us. Its remarkable lands allow us to grow exceptional products whose culture respects the plant and the environment. Herboriste du Velay by Pagès is committed to this type of production to offer you a range of healthy products, as close as possible to your home! This is the case of our infusion with sweet Mint from the Vercors piedmont. The plant of this recipe grows in the heart of the Drôme department. This region with sunny lands, surrounded by a magnificent marked relief, offers to the Mint ideal living conditions. This plant needs sun and a light and well-drained soil. They all have specific botanical characteristics that the land of the Drôme offers them, but also the farmer who cultivates them.

 

 

THE GROWERS

The infusion sweet Mint from the Vercors piedmont of Herboriste du Velay by Pagès has been produced and harvested on the land of Maryline and Philippe, a couple settled not far from Valence (26). It is at the gates of the Vercors regional natural park that these two farmers cultivate no less than 15 species. At their place, it is a real botanical garden, you can see everything!

The harvest of the Mint present in your infusion was made in May, over several days. Each plant is harvested during a specific period. It is by mechanical harvest that the two farmers proceeded to the operation. Once gathered, the plant is placed in the shelter of the light during approximately 3 days. This is the drying process, which is done on site. Both farmers have their own dryers. Dried between 30°C and 40°C, the plants of our infusion were then brought to our premises for the production of the infusion. We visited them for a day to discover their beautiful farm, their great attachment to this meticulous work and their knowledge of aromatic plants.

 

 

THE LANDS

Planted at the foot of the Vercors regional natural park, in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, the plants that make up our sweet Mintherbal tea grow on ideally sunny land (around 80% of sunshine per year). This territory cultivated by our two farmers is located in the town of Alixan, a few steps from Valence in the Drôme. It is thanks to this clay and well filtering soil that our infusion was able to see the light of day. The significant heat experienced by the Drôme is ideal for the proper cultivation of aromatic plants and plants with essential oils.

Land of excellence, the Drôme is home to more than 50 species of plants cultivated in organic farming. Alixan is a pretty town northeast of Valence. It is somewhat the circular capital of the small villages of the department. If its rich history makes it a very pleasant tourist place, the cultivated land available to the city is also very conducive to the development of infusion plants. Its proximity to the Vercors regional natural park, known for its rich nature and abundant biodiversity, makes this small town all the more interesting and authentic.

 

THE QUALITY

This product is labeled BIOPARTENAIRE. This certification is in line with our fair and committed approach. It allows us to participate in the revitalization and sustainability of the local economy: respect for land and plantations, solidarity and fair remuneration for producers, long-term brand commitments, etc. Pagès is committed to this type of production and offers you a range of healthy and French products, as close as possible to you!