Mint Presentation

Mint is herb that is used as an additives for enhancing the flavors in food.

1. MINT PRESENTED BY, SNEHA KARAYIL SANTHOSH SONA JOSEPH SONA KURIEN SREEHARI B SREELAKSHMI B

2. INTRODUCTION Mint is an aromatic perennial herb, popularly known as “Pudina” in India and scientifically known as “Mentha” Mint is an energizing herb that can add flavour to many dishes Mint is used in cooking as a flavouring agent and mint oil used for flavouring mouth washes, toothpastes Mints belong to the genus Mentha, in the family Labiatae (Lamiaceae) which includes other commonly grown essential oil-yielding plants such as basil, sage, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, pennyroyal and thyme Within the genus Mentha there are several commercially grown species, varying in their major chemical content, aroma and end use Their oils and derived aroma compounds are traded world-wide

3. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION Mint is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean basin and, from there, spread to the rest of the world by both natural and artificial means. USA is the major producer of peppermint and spearmint. Bergamot mint is a native of Europe and has been naturalized in eastern USA It grows successfully in the temperate and subtropical region of India. In India, Japanese mint is grown mainly in the Terai region, extending to parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains and parts of Punjab in North-western India. The total area under mint cultivation, which is mostly confined to Uttar Pradesh and the Punjab, is around 10 000 ha.

4. SPECIES Mentha arvensis (Japanese mint) M. arvensis (Japanese mint) is a downy, perennial herb, spreading by root-stocks which creep along the ground or just under the surface and root at the nodes. There are three horticultural varieties in this species. Mentha piperita (Pepper Mint) M. piperita spreads by a system of branching, underground rootstocks and grows to a height of 45 to 90 cm (l.5 to 3 ft).

5. Mentha spicata(Spear Mint) M. spicata propagates by stolons, from which 30-60 cm erect, ascending branches arise. The leaves are sessile, smooth above and glandular below, the apex is acute and up to 6.5 cm long. Mentha citrata(Bergamot Mint) M. citrata grows up to 30-60 cm height, with decumbent branches and erect ends. The leaves are 1.25-5.0 cm long, thin, bronzy-green, petiolate, smooth. M. citrata is a hybrid between M .aquatica and M.viridis. Mentha spicata(Spear Mint) M. spicata propagates by stolons, from which 30-60 cm erect, ascending branches arise. The leaves are sessile, smooth above and glandular below, the apex is acute and up to 6.5 cm long.

6. VARITIES J apanese Mint Himalaya (MAS-I): It is a selection released by the CIMAP Lucknow. The yield of oil is around 290-293 kg/ha. This variety is highly resistant to rust, leaf-spot and powdery mildew diseases. Kalka (Hyb-77): It is a tall, vigorous variety evolved by the ClMAP Lucknow, It is highly resistant to leaf-spot, powdery mildew and rust diseases. Shivalik: It was introduced from China and released by the CIMAP, Lucknow. The plant has a compact, bushy growth with thick, leathery leaves. EC-41911: It is less affected by rain, root rot and aphids and is reported to yield 236.5 g/ha of herbage and 12.2 kg/ha of oil, with a menthol contented 70%. Kosi: A leading high yielding variety and cultivated in maximum average.

7. Peppermint Kukrail: This is a high yielding variety developed and released by the CIMAP Lucknow. Bergamot Mint Kiran: This is a mutant selection developed by the CIMAP, Lucknow. It has a high oil content and quality. Yield 239 kg/ha of oil with 48% linalool. Spearmint MSS-l: This is a selection from the spearmint cultivars introduced from USA. This variety was released by the CIMAP, Lucknow. MSS-5: It is a selection from MSS-1 made at the CIMAP, Lucknow. Punjab spearmint-l: This variety is a clonal selection made at the CIMAP, Lucknow.

8. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION The active chemical in mint is a terpene alcohol called menthol or peppermint camphor, or 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol. Traditionally, it is extracted from the leaves of plants like peppermint (Mentha piperita), in which it may act as a natural insecticide Mint plants contain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. The major essential oil constituents detected were: 1,8-cineole, carvone, limonene, linalool, linalyl acetate, menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, and piperitenone oxide.

9. USES Although not typically consumed in large quantities, mint contains fair amounts of several nutrients and is an especially good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. IBS is a common digestive disorder. Several studies have shown that taking peppermint oil capsules improved the symptoms of IBS patients. Several studies have shown that peppermint oil can speed up how quickly food moves through the stomach, relieving digestive symptoms associated with indigestion. Smelling the aroma of peppermint oil may improve memory and alertness, while other studies show no effect. More research is needed to further understand the effects of mint on brain function. Although menthol does not function as a nasal decongestant, it can provide some relief to cold and flu symptoms by subjectively improving breathing through the nose. Peppermint tea and chewing on mint leaves may be more beneficial in reducing bacteria that cause bad breath.

10. CULTIVATION Medium to fertile deep soil, rich in humus is ideal for the cultivation of mint. The soil should have a good water-holding capacity but water-logging should be avoided. A pH range of 6-7.5 is best. Japanese mint can be grown in all tropical and subtropical areas under irrigation.

11. PESTS AND DISEASES Mint rust Pale and distorted shoots in spring .Dusty orange pustules on the stems and leaves. Pustule may change to dusty yellow or black in colour in later stage. Large areas of leaf tissue die and plants may lose leaves.

12. Verticillium wilt Symptoms first appear in the foliage at the top of the plant.Symptomatic upper leaves are sickle-shaped and initially chlorotic or red, soon becoming necrotic.Premature defoliation and death of the plant can result. Vascular discoloration in stems and roots may be observed and diseased plants are often stunted.

13. Anthracnose Mint anthracnose, also known as "leopard spot".The fungus causes small, sunken brown spots to appear on the lower leaves and stems. These spots enlarge to form oval lesions with light gray centers and reddish-brown borders, and may unite.Mint anthracnose may cause defoliation and cankers, which may lead to splitting of the stem.Heavily-infected plants are weakened and oil yields are reduced.Anthracnose may become severe during wet seasons when the mint foliage is wet for long periods.

14. Powdery mildew Powdery white patches are developed on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and stems.Under favourable conditions, the disease causes severe losses. It also reduces the oil.

15. HARVESTING When to harvest: Pick mint leaves and sprigs as you need them throughout the growing season. Cut away flower stalks before they bloom for a sweeter taste. Cut the entire plant down to 2 or 3 inches above the soil at midseason and it will regrow for a second harvest. How to harvest: Use a snip or scissors to cut off the top leaves and tips of branches or pinch off individual leaves for fresh use. For drying, cut stems 4 to 6 inches above the soil surface.

16. T he recovery of oil from the herb is 0.5-0.8%. Oil is obtained through steam distillation. The oil is of golden yellow colour, containing not less than 75% menthol. The duration of steam distillation is 2-2.5 hours for complete recovery of the oil. About 80% of the oil is received in the receiver in about one hour’s time. The oil that is received later is richer in menthol. The fresh or semi dried herbage is placed in a tank and treated with passing steam under pressure. The steam that comes out of the tank is then passed through a condenser. The condenser receiving the steam, carrying the oil extracted from the herbage in the tank is kept constantly cool by circulating cold-water over/around it. The condensed oil and water mixture is collected in a receiver. Since the water and oil have different densities, oil floats on the surface of the water in the receiver. The oil is skimmed off and collected. DISTILLATION

17. Herbage should be shade dried for about a day before it is distilled. Care should be taken so that decomposition of the herbage does not initiate during the drying process. There would be some reduction in oil yield if wilted herbage crop is stored for a longer period of 2-3 days. As such, storage of herbage for a longer period is not recommended. PVC drums of good quality (20-200l capacity) and galvanized iron (GI) drums or aluminium containers are suitable for short-term and long-term storage respectively. The containers should be kept in cool and dark place. STORAGE

18. HEALTH BENEFITS Rich in nutrients Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for eye health and night vision (2Trusted Source). It is also a potent source of antioxidants, especially when compared to other herbs and spices. Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative stress, a type of damage to cellscaused by free radicals (3Trusted Source).

19. May Help Relieve Indigestion Mint may also be effective at relieving other digestive problems such as upset stomach and indigestion. Could Improve Brain Function In addition to ingesting mint, there are claims that inhaling the aroma of essential oils from the plant could provide health benefits, including improved brain function. Beats Stress & Depression Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate the mind. By breathing in the aroma of mint, your mind is instantly calmed. You can add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporizer or take a mint bath for immediate relief from stress and depression. Subjectively Improves Cold Symptoms Many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments contain menthol, a primary compound in peppermint oil.

20. Mint or pudina leaves is highly valued for its indispensable medicinal properties and uses. Mint leaves can be used fresh, dried, as essential oils or in the form of supplements to derive its benefits. CONCLUSION

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