Mentuccia
Good morning, merry Christmas, and happy Hanukkah!
I usually hang out with the Fine Cooking discussion group, but I think this question lends itself more to this forum. I am trying to identify the Latin name for mentuccia. I bought a bag of this herb at the Campo di fiori in Rome. I know it is in the mint family (I can smell the mint) but I would like to know which mint it is. In looking around on the web, I have seen it identified as both Calamintha nepeta and M. pulegium. Neither one appears to be considered edible, but what I have is eminently edible. I use it with artichokes, mushrooms, frittate, and often use it in place of cilantro if that is not available. (I wouldn't say it's a substitute for cilantro, but it adds a flavor boost if cilantro is unavailable.
If anyone can help me identify mentuccia, I would greatly appreciate it!
Margie
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com
Margie
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com
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(post #12813, reply #1 of 8)
This is what I found with the specific term "mentuccia." It's also known as "lesser catmint."
http://www.agraria.org/coltivazionierbacee/aromatiche/mentuccia.htm
(post #12813, reply #2 of 8)
This is what I found for a source that mentions it's culinary use:
http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/store/product.asp?dept%5Fid=79&pf%5Fid=1672&mscssid=AGCVHAAW8LNH9HBWMC07DFKGK98E97K6
(post #12813, reply #3 of 8)
Thanks! Interesting that it's not considered edible in the US but is used for culinary purposes in Italy!
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com
(post #12813, reply #4 of 8)
It never occurred to me to eat it!
(post #12813, reply #5 of 8)
Hi Maedl,
I was surprised to find Fine Gardening's article on calamintha nepeta among the sources on the internet. Here's the site:
http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/plantguide/calamintha-nepeta-nepetoides-lesser-calamint.aspx
Northern Virginia, Zone 7A.
Northern Virginia, Zone 7A.
(post #12813, reply #6 of 8)
Thanks, Abbie! I searched Fine Gardening but it didn't come up for me. I'll have a read!
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com
(post #12813, reply #7 of 8)
What you are looking for is Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi which is lesser calamint and is grow in Italy as an edible herb. You can try Baker Creek Heirlom Seeds and Reimer Seeds for mail order and try Dave's Garden for plant sources. Also, try Richter's Seeds which have it under the name Nepitella.
The names are very confusing. Nepeta is catmint and not considered edible, I think that people get catmint and calamint confused.
if you go with the correct botanical name (at the top) you should have no problem
(post #12813, reply #8 of 8)
Thank you so much for your response. That is exactly what I was looking for!
Between the Alps and the Chesapeake Bay:
Where Food and Culture Intersect
www.alpsandbay.blogspot.com