Elsholtia

Countries such as Japan, China, Mongolia and India are considered the birthplace of Elsgoltia. This rather unpretentious plant eventually began to spread throughout the planet: at first, Elsgoltia appeared in Siberia, and then in Europe, where it began to be actively cultivated. It was there that the plant received its unusual name in honor of the botanist and naturalist Johann Sigismund Elsholtz.

Today, about thirty species of Elsgolcia are known around the world, but for culinary purposes it is customary to use Elsholtzia Ciliata or Elsgolcia Patrena, also named after the botanist.

This aromatic plant blooms quite late - from the end of summer (in August) to the beginning of autumn (in September), in connection with which another name of elsgoltia is listed as latesummer mint, which translates as late-summer mint. The spike-shaped inflorescences of elsgoltia contain attractive pink flowers.

The very subtle aroma of elsholcia resembles the smell of balm. However, at the same time, she almost does not endow the dishes in which she is placed with bitterness, so it can be added to the dishes to taste, and this is a rarity for spices and seasonings. Most often, when preparing food, it is customary to use buds and flowers of elsgoltia. For example, in Belarusian cuisine it is often added to sausages, while in the Baltic countries this aromatic seasoning can be found in meat pates and minced meat.

Elsgoltia perfectly harmonizes with snacks, soups, meat salads, sandwiches and stew. By the way, it is best to add it to dishes rich in protein, that is, meals from poultry, eggs, fish, green beans or green peas. Elsgoltia gives all these products a more delicate, harmonious aroma and taste. Together with other spices, you can use it in curd paste.

Interestingly, there is also a Vietnamese variety of this plant - Rau kinh gio "i, which is distinguished by its original, soft, lemon-mint aroma. Such elsgoltia is popular in Vietnam, where it is often added to traditional spring rolls, which are made from thin rice paper.

Elsgoltium is also used in the manufacture of canned food, many soft drinks and cosmetics. And this aromatic plant has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, which is due to the antipyretic, antibacterial, analgesic, diuretic properties of elsgoltia. Its use is effective for influenza, headache, cough, furunculosis and measles, and in folk medicine this natural herbal remedy is used for gastric diseases, edema, as well as for arousing appetite.