Michelle prepared a Mint Iced Tea for the South Arm Older Adults Cooking Club lunch. The mint is from her garden.

Possible health benefits of consuming mint:

• Mint is also known as mentha, is actually a genus or group of around 15 to 20 types of plants including peppermint and spearmint.
• Mint plants contain an antioxidant known as rosmarinic acid, which has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving seasonal allergy symtoms. Because of rosmarinic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties, roamarinic acid has been shown to be a promising treatment.
• Mint contains menthol, which is a natural decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus. Mint can also be effective to improve the flow of bile through the stomach, which helps to speed and ease digestion.
• The use of peppermint oil has been found to be an effective and safe treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort associated with irritable bowl syndrome.
• When applied topically in oil, ointment or lotion, mint has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by insect bites, rash or other reactions.

Ingredients

• 3 green tea bags
• 1 quart boiling water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 large lemon/lime, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 bunch fresh mint, washed
• 2 cups cold water

Source: Food Network

Instructions

• Brew tea in boiling water, letting steep for 10 minutes. Pour brewed tea into a serving pitcher. Add sugar and lemon/lime, and swirl in the mint, holding it by the stems and using it to stir and dissolve the sugar. When the sugar is dissolved, drop mint into the pitcher and add 2 cups cold water. Refrigerate until chilled. Strain mint out before serving and serve cold.

Michelle also served a dessert for the lunch.

The fruit pizza is loaded with summer fruits.

We totally enjoyed the fruit pizza.