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10 Fun Way to Use Extra Fresh Mint This Summer

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Here are ten simple ideas for using up all that fresh mint in the garden this summer.

I think we've all had this happen at one time or another: you plant some mint and before you know it, you've got enough mint to feed a third-world country!

I've learned my lesson and now know to plant most of our mint in containers to keep it from spreading, but honestly, I love mint and use it in so many ways on our farm that I am more than happy to let it grow like a weed. 


10 Fun Ways to Use Extra Fresh Mint This Summer

Here are my ten favorite ways to use extra fresh mint.

1.)  In my Chicken Coop and Nesting Boxes

Fresh mint in the nesting boxes and mint planted around the coop helps to naturally repel rodents that can spread disease and eat the chicken feed. 


2.) All Natural Refresh Spray for your Coop and Home

I also make this Lavender Mint Coop Refresh Spray to help keep our coop smelling nice. It's a wonderful refresh spray for your home as well.



3.) All Natural Mint Fly Repellent

Flies don't like mint much either, so I make these simple, cute fly repelling mason jars for our back patio in the summer ...



4.) Basil Mint Fly Spray

...and also this vinegar-based all natural Basil Mint Fly Spray for our horses, duck house and run area where the flies seem to congregate.



5.) Homemade Mint Iced Tea

Mint has natural cooling properties, so it makes for great iced tea in the summer. I brew this Vanilla Mint Iced Tea right in our coffee machine for an inexpensive, healthy summer sipper.



6.) Frozen Ice Cube Treats for the Chickens

Your chickens can benefit from mint's cooling properties as well with these Frozen Ice Cube Treats that are fun and easy to make.



7.) Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This easy homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe calls for not only fresh mint but also fresh eggs! It's a winner.


8.) Garnish for Cheesecake

I also love using mint as a garnish for desserts, especially for this Tiered Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake.



9.) Homemade Dog Treats for Fresh Breath

Mint helps to keep breath fresh (hence all the minty gums and breath 'mints'), so I like to whip up a batch of these Blueberry Mint Dog Treats for our dogs on occasion.



10.) Homemade Mint Jelly

At the end of the season, I like to harvest all of the remaining mint and dry some to use over the winter using my handy DIY Herb Drying Rack and also make a batch of Mint Jelly to use as an accompaniment for a rack or leg of lamb.


One Member of the Mint Family to Watch Out For

There are many different varieties of mint including chocolate mint, orange mint, spearmint, grapefruit mint, mojito mint and lemon balm. You can use them interchangeably. 

Just avoid Pennyroyal; it's a member of the mint family and it's toxic.


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