Mint Spearmint

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Mentha spicata)

An attractive perennial herb with pink/white flowers in summer and deep-green leaves that have a most refreshing , minty aroma.

Flavours/Food Partners

Partners well with the Asian herbs like garlic, chilli, coriander, lemon grass and ginger for stirfries and with other mints, scented geraniums, lemon and lime balm for teas and sweet dishes. Use with seafood, poultry, peas, beans, carrots and fresh fruit.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Mix with other herbs and use as a marinade or add late in the cooking. Finely chop leaves and use them in sauces and drizzles for deserts, steep whole leaves in boiling water to create a refreshing tea. Make strong tea then mix with chilled soda water for a tasty summer drink. Use sprigs as garnish for deserts, salads and cocktails.

Landscaping/Planting

Mints require open soil with summer moisture. Given these conditions they can run away so should be planted where this is desired or in large pots.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Regular applications of Seasol and Power Feed will keep it looking its best. Cut back annually to keep under control.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 60CM
Width 1.0M