Michigan Farm Keeps The Flavor Flowing With Fresh Mint
DETROIT (WWJ) - Mint Juleps will be flowing Saturday for the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The key ingredient for those legendary drinks likely coming from the nations oldest continually operating mint farm right here in Michigan.
Jim Crosby is the fourth generation of Crosby Mint Farm in St. John, Michigan. He said the farm was hit hard by the recent recession but it's recovering with a double-digit increase in year over year sales.
"The digestive balance of intestinal flora - it works as an antioxidant and it's great for kidney and liver function and especially those that have the kidney infection," Crosby told WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne.
He says the world is waking up to the crisp taste of mint.
Crosby feels that mint not only picks up the flavor in food but is useful in a variety of ways.
"It's just an outstanding characteristic to have in food, drinks, especially bathing and cooking," Crosby said.
He goes through an ounce of peppermint oil a month - he said the herb is not just for Mint Juleps.
"It whitens teeth, it can sterilize your toothbrush, (and) makes your mouth feel good. I add some to my shampoo, my conditioner ...," he noted.
You can find out more about mint and the Crosby Mint Farm here.
