Forum home› Problem solving

Bitter-tasting mint

adamadamantadamadamant Posts: 264
in Problem solving
I ruined an entire meal by whizzing a handful of my home grown mint into a dressing.  We were astounded by how disgustingly bitter it tasted and the leaves when chewed confirmed it was the mint that was the culprit. It tasted like chemicals and I've got to get rid of the lot.  But what could have happened?  Does anyone know? The mint earlier on in the spring was fine.  It is in a pot, cuttings from last year's mint (I think) and I've been feeding it with seaweed extract every couple of weeks.  Any ideas what could have gone wrong?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    I think you've been too kind by feeding it.  Herbs produce more essential oils the 'harder' they are grown.  Most herbs originate from and grow in places with poor soil.  Try digging some up, planting it in rubbish soil without any fertiliser and see what happens. ;)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,251
    The bitterness is from the Seaweed feeding. As Bob says Mint really only needs good clean water not food.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,010
    It will probably revert to its 'real' flavour if you leave it alone for a while. Not certainly, but probably
    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • adamadamantadamadamant Posts: 264
    OK, how interesting. Thank you. I had been told by a friend that mint was hungry so I admit I have fed much more this year than ever before.  Cheers all and have a great weekend - if it in any way feels different from the week!

Sign In or Register to comment.