Pineapple Mint
Mentha suavolens 'Variegata'
Like all variegated plants pineapple mint is not as vigorous as the green variety,
apple mint, which can be quite invasive.
As well as in the herb garden pineapple mint can be planted in mixed herb containers
and also gives a pretty shade ground cover.
Like other fruity mints it is good added to salads, summer drinks, and fruit dishes.
It has a sweet and fruity taste which makes it an interesting addition to home baking
Sweet Mint Scones
- 1 tsp butter
- pinch of salt
- 6 stems of pineapple mint
- 40 g vegetable fat
- 225 g plain flour
- 60 g caster sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg beaten with
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 4 tbs milk
Grease a large baking sheet with the butter and preheat the oven to very hot, Gas Mark 8, 450°F, 230°C.
Finely chop the mint leaves. Sift together the flour with the baking powder, bicarbonate and salt.
Rub in the fat either by hand or in the food processor.
Stir in the sugar and the mint.
Using a fork, add enough of the egg and milk mixture to give a soft dough.
On a floured board or worktop roll the dough to about 2 cm thick and cut out the scones using a 50 cm cutter.
The remnants of dough can be rerolled to make more scones.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 – 12 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve at once with butter and bramble jelly.