Mint powder, widely known as Pudina powder, is a highly aromatic and versatile spice created by carefully drying fresh mint leaves (most commonly spearmint or peppermint varieties) and then grinding them into a fine, typically light to dark green powder. It perfectly encapsulates the characteristic cool, invigorating, and slightly sweet-pungent menthol notes of fresh mint, ensuring its refreshing essence is available year-round.
This convenient powdered form is a popular alternative to fresh mint, boasting an extended shelf life and seamless integration into a myriad of culinary applications. In Indian cuisine, it is an indispensable ingredient for preparing cooling drinks like jaljeera and mint lemonade, flavoring raita (yogurt dips), chutneys, and adding a refreshing counterpoint to curries, biryanis, and pulaos. Globally, it’s used in teas, desserts, salads, marinades, and as a seasoning for grilled meats or vegetables. Beyond its culinary uses, mint powder is also traditionally valued for its digestive benefits, ability to freshen breath, and its rich content of antioxidants.
