Mint

Mint (ni’naa’) is an ancient herb known as ‘ninu’ in ancient Akkadian. Its cool refreshing flavor is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking in general. In medieval times, mint was known by the generic Persian name butanaj/fudanaj and the Arabic habaq/habak. Of its varieties: Butanaj bustani, cultivated mint, is also called na’na’. This is today’s mint ni’naa’. Butanaj nahri (river mint), a wild variety of mint, is today’s butnij (see entry). Arab medieval physicians recommended it to sharpen the appetite and aid digestion. It was also believed to be good for the heart and coitus, and has the power to relieve bloating and headaches.