If you ever visited a restaurant or diner, you might have noticed small, pastel-colored mints that look and feel like small pillows served along with the bill. These mints are commonly found at the host desk in lobbies of restaurants, and sometimes even in restrooms, to refresh the breath and ease digestion. They’re smooth, round, and chalky in texture, making them instantly recognizable by their unique texture and taste. But what are they called and how did they become so popular?
History of Chalky Mints
The first-ever chalky mint was invented by a Chicago-based company named Arway Confections in 1949. The company was experimenting with candy recipes when they stumbled upon the ingredients that would become the chalky mint that we know today. The unique texture and light flavor of the mint quickly became popular, and soon the candy was served at weddings, receptions, and other events. The candy’s popularity grew over the years, and it became a staple in restaurants and diners across the country.
What are they called?
These smooth, pillowy mints are often referred to as “dinner mints”, “restaurant mints”, or “mint lozenges”. However, they are most commonly known as “After-Dinner Mints.” Since they are typically served after a meal, the name makes sense.
How are they made?
The recipe for making After-Dinner Mints is fairly simple. The candy is made by using powdered sugar, corn syrup, mint flavoring, and food coloring. The ingredients are mixed together and then pressed into molds. Once the mints are solidified, they are removed from the molds, coated with cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together, and then packaged.
Benefits of After-Dinner Mints
The primary reason why restaurants and diners offer mints after meals is to refresh the breath of the diners. But did you know that After-Dinner Mints are also known for their digestive properties? Peppermint, which is the most commonly used flavor in After-Dinner Mints, is known to help soothe digestive issues. It can help to reduce bloating and relieve gas, making it a useful tool for digestive issues. Additionally, chewing the mint can increase the production of saliva, which helps to wash away any food remnants from the mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Conclusion
After-Dinner Mints are not only a refreshing treat after a meal, but they also come with a host of benefits. These chalky, pastel-colored mints are a staple in many restaurants and diners across the world, and there’s no denying that it’s hard to resist popping one or two into your mouth after a meal. So, the next time you are presented with an After-Dinner Mint, take a moment to savor the unique texture and subtle flavor as well as the many benefits that come with it.
FAQ
What is in Stoner mints?
Stoner mints, a brand of mint candy, are a popular choice among those who enjoy the refreshing taste of peppermint combined with a euphoric experience. The ingredients of Stoner mints include dextrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, natural and artificial peppermint flavor, and artificial colors.
Dextrose is a type of simple sugar that is often used in candies and sweet treats as a sweetener. It is commonly found in corn syrup and is considered a carbohydrate. Maltodextrin is another type of sugar that is used as a filler and thickener in processed foods. Both of these sugars are used to sweeten the Stoner mints and give them their pleasant taste.
Magnesium stearate is a compound that is used as a lubricant in many types of supplements and medications. It is often added to tablets and capsules to help them flow more easily during production. In Stoner mints, magnesium stearate helps the individual mints to separate and not stick together in the package.
The natural and artificial peppermint flavor used in Stoner mints gives them their refreshing and cool taste. Peppermint oil, which comes from the peppermint plant, is often used in candies and gum and is known for its ability to freshen breath and soothe upset stomachs.
Lastly, artificial colors are added to the Stoner mints to give them their vibrant yellow and blue coloring. These colors are added purely for aesthetic purposes and do not affect the taste or experience of the mints.
While Stoner mints have a unique and fun appeal, their ingredients are relatively simple and common among candy and sweet treat products.
What kind of mints are in Jamaica?
Jamaica is a popular travel destination located in the Caribbean Sea. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture and of course, its flavorful dishes. Mint is one of the commonly used herbs in Jamaican cuisine, and it adds a refreshing taste to various dishes and beverages.
The common garden mints peppermint and spearmint are the two most popular types of mint found in Jamaica. These varieties of mint were introduced to Jamaica in 1927. Peppermint and spearmint are both native to the Mediterranean and came to the island by way of Britain where the Romans had introduced them.
Mints have been cultivated and used for centuries. In ancient times, they were used for medicinal purposes, for their soothing properties, and to treat digestive issues. Mints were cultivated in abundance by the great Mesopotamians and were a favourite of the Romans. The use of menthol-based oils obtained from the leaves of peppermint helps to alleviate symptoms of cold and cough.
Peppermint is a hybrid plant that is a cross between water mint and spearmint. Its leaves have a strong menthol flavor and aroma. Peppermint is used in several Jamaican dishes such as mojitos, teas, and desserts such as ice cream. On the other hand, spearmint has a milder flavor than peppermint and is slightly sweet. It is commonly used in Jamaican cooking to add flavor to meat dishes like lamb and goat and seafood dishes such as fish and seafood soups.
Apart from its culinary uses, mint has several health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals, and can help to manage digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
Jamaica is lucky to have the refreshing herbs of peppermint and spearmint growing in abundance. These herbs are useful for their culinary and medicinal properties. If you ever find yourself in Jamaica, be sure to try out the many delicious dishes that incorporate these herbs into their recipes, or go to the local markets to buy fresh mints for your own culinary creations.
What kind of candy are humbugs?
Humbugs are a type of traditional hard-boiled candy that has been enjoyed by confectionery lovers for several decades. They are typically available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and are popular treats around festive seasons such as Christmas.
Humbugs are usually recognized by their distinctive shape and striped pattern. They are typically long and thin, and their striped pattern consists of two different colours, often black and white. While peppermint is the most popular flavor for humbugs, there are other flavors available as well, including aniseed, spearmint, and lime.
Humbugs are made by boiling a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, water, and flavoring over high heat until it reaches a temperature of about 150 to 160 degrees Celsius. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, it is poured into molds that are specifically designed to give the humbugs their distinctive shape and pattern. The molds are then allowed to cool and harden, after which the humbugs are removed from them and packaged for sale.
Although humbugs can be quite hard when first eaten, they are designed to soften and dissolve in the mouth, making them a satisfying treat to savor over a period of time. They are often enjoyed by people of all ages and can be found in various shops, supermarkets and online shops.
Humbugs are a delicious and timeless candy treat that has remained popular in various countries for many years. Known for their unique striped pattern, hard texture, and refreshing peppermint flavor, humbugs are a delight to consume and add a touch of tradition to any occasion.
