River Mint

As its name suggests, river mint can be found growing along the edges of rivers, ponds, streams and wetlands. We have a few different species of wild mint here, although all of them have been introduced to Newfoundland. Mint quickly spreads if it finds a river or wet area where it will thrive. These plants can be easily identified by their strong minty smell, square stems, and oval shaped dark to light green paired leaves. They create tight clusters of pink flowers at the top of each stem. I like to use mint to make river mint jelly, baked deserts, for rhubarb and river mint drink, also in mojitos. One good use for mint tea is to ease an upset stomach. Mint can be easily dried in a dry, cool place, to preserve it for the entire season.