A “Fresh” Crop for Chocolate Mint Day

By Sarah Correll

While we don’t grow cocoa, Indiana ranks fourth in the production of peppermint and third in the production of spearmint, which is certainly reason enough to celebrate Chocolate Mint Day!

Most Indiana mint farms are in the northern part of the state. You can meet Larry, a mint farmer from northwestern Indiana, here! The oil from the mint plants farmers like Larry grow is used to flavor toothpaste, candy, and gum.  Here is some inspiration on how to “freshen up” your menu with mint!

Mint Julep Cupcakes with Browned Butter Bourbon Frosting

Amy’s cupcakes combine chocolate, mint, and bourbon.

Elvis Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cake

Liz shares a dressed-up cake mix recipe, best served with a sprig of mint.

Peppermint Kisses

Peppermint extract and chocolate kisses give Amy’s cookies a perfect balance of chocolate and mint.

And, who could forget, classic mint chocolate chip ice cream made right here in Indiana!

Minting a Holiday Classic

By Sara Correll



 

Candy canes are a classic holiday treat. Did you know they also have some Indiana connections?

Mint production is big business in Indiana. Indiana farmers raise over 594,000 pounds of peppermint each year, some of which is used in producing candy canes.

 

The well-known J shape and peppermint flavor were not always the norm. Candy canes have been around since the 17^th century, but it was an Indiana candy maker who chose the shape and colors of the candy we now know.

 

Several Indiana candy stores still make candy canes in house. You can watch candy canes being made at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen and pick some up at McCord Candies in Lafayette!