In the herb garden located within the Fragrant Breeze Garden, mint, which offers a refreshing scent perfect for summer, is growing vigorously.

Mint is a herb that is said to have over 200 varieties in the world.
It is characterized by its clean and refreshing scent and is enjoyed in various aspects of daily life, such as in herbal teas, cooking, and bath products.

When people think of mint, they often picture Western mints such as peppermint or spearmint.
Did you know that Japan actually has a type of mint called "Wa-hakka," which is native to Japan?

Japanese mint is rich in menthol and was historically cultivated mainly in the Kitami region of Hokkaido as a raw material for natural mint oil.

I grow both Japanese mint and Western mint in my garden, and you can really tell the difference when you compare their scents.
Japanese mint offers a cleaner, more refreshing scent, while Western mint provides a gentler, sweeter aroma.

This refreshing sensation is due to the action of menthol. Just smelling the scent can make you feel refreshed and invigorated.
This herb is perfect for the hot summer.

Japanese mint is recommended for use as an insect repellent or bath additive.
Adding leaves to a lukewarm bath creates a refreshing scent, making summer bath time a truly pleasant experience.

On the other hand, spearmint and peppermint are commonly used in herbal teas, desserts, and cooking.
Each one has a different scent and way of being enjoyed, so please try comparing them.

Recommended for summer! Cold-brewed mint water

On a hot day, I highly recommend trying "cold-brewed mint water."

The recipe is very simple.

Simply add 2-3 sprigs of mint, about 20cm long, to 1 liter of water and refrigerate overnight.

Because it's not brewed with hot water, it's less bitter, resulting in a refreshing and easy-to-drink mint water with a subtle minty aroma. It's also recommended for staying hydrated on hot days.

In the herb garden, you can see various types of mint, including Japanese mint.
Try strolling around, gently touching the leaves and enjoying the different scents.

The refreshing scent of mint will make your summer garden stroll even more enjoyable.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Katsue Oikawa, in charge of the fragrant wind garden