Peppermint from the Municipality of Płońsk

Lisewo village and the nearby village of Strubiny, both in the municipality of Płońsk belong to the ‘mint basin’ within the area of the “Friendly Mazovia” Local Action Group. This is where a number of farmers cultivate peppermint and the crop requires rather pure soils.
Peppermint, also called medicinal mint, is an herb whose qualities and effects were already known in ancient times. Whole plants, leaves, essential oil and menthol, obtained from freezing the essential oil, are used for medicinal purposes. Peppermint is primarily applied in ailments of the digestive system such as stomach ache, bloating and lack of appetite. In ancient times, the brew was also prescribed for migraines. Peppermint can also be used for skin lesions caused by chicken pox or cold sores. Moreover, it has antibacterial and anti-cramping effects. Menthol and peppermint oil are the ingredients of many pharmaceutical items and are used in the production of liquor, candy, chewing gum and toothpaste. They are also added to tobacco to enhance its flavor. In cooking, peppermint is combined with fish, meat, sodas and alcohol.

Peppermint is a perennial planted in May from flagella, since, as a hybrid plant, it does not produce germinating seeds. The first harvest may be achieved in September and during the next two years, it can occur twice a year: in July and at the end of September. In the past, the crop was collected up to five years after planting, but now harvesting is usually economically feasible up to three years, after which the output is greatly reduced.
Mature mint is collected with a rotary mower or using more updated mowers with chargers and integrated trailers. From trailers, the plant is moved with tridents to drying stacks, where depending on the weather, it dries for two to four weeks. In case of inclement weather, the herb is dried in drying compounds. The last step is packing the mint into paper bags of 15 to 17 kg.
The crop buyers are usually big herbal conglomerates, such as German Martin Bauer. These are demanding clients, which speaks to the good quality of mint from the area of the “Friendly Mazovia” Local Action Group. These companies use the herb to produce popular mint tea and as an ingredient in many medicines.

Grower: Herb Farm Grąbczewscy
Location: Lisewo, Płońsk municipality
Contact: ph. 600 490 486; lisewo@interia.pl