mint family herb crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "mint family herb crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by length, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "mint family herb crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MINT: Aromatic herb known for its refreshing flavor, widely used in teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
SAGE: A highly aromatic herb with a strong, earthy flavor, commonly used in poultry and stuffing.
5 Letters
BASIL: A popular culinary herb with a sweet, pungent flavor, central to Italian cuisine and pesto.
6 Letters
CATNIP: A leafy herb known for its stimulating effect on cats, also used in herbal teas.
7 Letters
OREGANO: A pungent, aromatic herb essential in Mediterranean and Mexican cooking, often dried.
8 Letters
ROSEMARY: A fragrant evergreen herb with needle-like leaves, popular for flavoring meats and vegetables.
More About "mint family herb crossword clue"
The mint family, scientifically known as Lamiaceae, is a vast and incredibly diverse group of plants, many of which are cherished for their aromatic properties and culinary uses. This family includes not only various types of mint (Mentha) but also popular herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, and even lavender and catnip. They are characterized by their typically square stems, opposite leaves, and usually bilabiate (two-lipped) flowers, which are often rich in essential oils.
These herbs are staples in kitchens worldwide, adding distinct flavors to dishes ranging from savory meats and stews to refreshing beverages and desserts. Beyond the culinary realm, many mint family members have historical and ongoing uses in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and perfumery due to their potent volatile compounds. Their distinctive aromas and flavors make them a frequent subject in crossword puzzles, often requiring solvers to think about specific types of aromatic plants.
When you encounter a clue like "mint family herb," it's a prompt to consider the wide array of possibilities within this botanical group. The context of the puzzle, such as the number of letters or surrounding clues, will usually narrow down the correct answer among the many fragrant options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Common Herbs: For clues related to plants or herbs, always start by listing the most common ones that come to mind. Basil, mint, oregano, thyme, and sage are frequently used in crosswords due to their commonality and varying lengths.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most critical piece of information. Immediately filter your mental list of possibilities to match the required length. This can quickly eliminate many incorrect answers.
- Look for Culinary or Aromatic Context: If the clue is vague, think about the primary use of the herb. Is it culinary? Medicinal? Aromatic? This can guide you towards specific members of a plant family.
- Don't Forget Lesser-Known Options: While popular herbs are common, some puzzles might feature less obvious choices like catnip, savory, or balm. If common answers don't fit, expand your herbal vocabulary.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the botanical name for the mint family?
The mint family is botanically known as Lamiaceae. It's one of the largest and most distinctive plant families, celebrated for its aromatic members.
Are all herbs in the mint family edible or safe for consumption?
While many members of the Lamiaceae family, like mint, basil, and oregano, are popular culinary herbs, not all are suitable for consumption. Some are grown for ornamental purposes, essential oils, or have specific medicinal uses that require careful handling. Always verify the specific plant before ingesting.
What common characteristics help identify a mint family herb?
Mint family herbs typically have square stems, opposite leaves, and distinctive aromatic oils. Their flowers often have two 'lips' and are arranged in whorls. Their strong scents are a key identifying feature.