Hebrew: נַעְנַע, na’na
Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Scientific name: Mentha
Mint has a root system that survives for many years. The stem is herbaceous and not woody. Often during the winter, the stem aboveground dries up or partially withers, and the plant regenerates from the rhizome. The rhizome is actually a stem that is sometimes found above ground and sometimes below the surface. It spreads horizontally, and during its development, it sends roots into the soil and stems and leaves above the ground.
As mentioned, mint is a plant from the Lamiaceae family. A characteristic of this family is that its members contain aromatic essential oils. These oils are volatile compounds found in the plant that together give it its characteristic scent. All essential oils contain complex mixtures of volatile chemical compounds with very low solubility in water.
The leaves and other plant parts, including flowers and stems, are covered with glandular hairs whose cells contain essential oil with a sharp scent. The scent is most pronounced when the leaves are crushed, breaking the glandular hairs. Essential oils are generally produced by specialized secretory tissues. Therefore, mint is used in the preparation of both hot and cold beverages and is an important component in traditional medicine and the cosmetics industry.
which encourages its growth. Therefore, harvesting mint on Shabbat is prohibited both as reaping and as sowing. Some identify this plant as minteh.
The Mishnah mentions several other plants that can be identified as mint. The main characteristic of these plants is that they are aromatic and that even their roots can be used. Among the various possible identifications of mint is the Mishnaic dandana, described as perennial plant intended for consumption, where the leaves dry each year while the underground component lives for several years. The identification of dandana and minteh with mint is accepted by almost all commentators. Other plants identified as mint include irus and yo’ezer.
Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals and grapevines): Because the mint’s stem is herbaceous and not woody, and often the leaves develop directly from the rhizome, mint is defined halachically as a vegetable. It should be distanced from other species when planting. However, since the root grows horizontally, taking root in the soil and spreading as it grows, it is difficult to keep the necessary distance between the plant and other edible annuals. Therefore, when planting mint in a garden, it is best to plant far from other species and to regularly ensure that roots have not encroached on other plants.
Terumot and ma’aserot (offerings and tithes): Since mint is used in foods and mint extract is used in beverages, terumot and ma’aserot must be separated from it before use.
Kedushat shevi’it (Sabbatical year sanctity): Kedushat shevi’it applies to plants used for fragrance or cosmetics. Therefore, all aromatic plants, including mint, have kedushat shevi’t.
Infestation: If using mint from your garden, it is important to carefully inspect the leaves before use.
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