Mint is one of the oldest and most popular herbs that is grown around the world and used in almost every kind of cuisine and for medicinal purposes as well. There are many different varieties of mint, each with subtle differences in flavour and aroma. Spearmint is the most popular (and widely used) with its pointed, serrated leaves and its fresh familiar flavour. This herb is used in a range of dishes from stuffings to fruit salads. It is an essential ingredient in many Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines and is popularly mixed with natural plain yogurt to make a 'raita' or brewed with tea to make the famous Indian �Pudhina Chai�. In Thai cooking, it is added to soups and to some highly-spiced curries. Mint grown in Asia is much more strongly flavoured than most European mints, with a sweet, cool aftertaste.