Herb farming in Kenya has predominantly been on the back burner. Farmers have traditionally concentrated on the production of cereals, pulses and well known fruits. Whilst most herbs grow naturally in the environment most such as some in the mint family originated from Asia.
Mint otherwise known by the genus name mentha is a herbaceous plant that grows to approximately 10-120 cm and spreads indeterminately on the ground. Mentha should be actively restrained to ensure the stems are not touching the soil and therefore affect mint leaf quality. Depending on the mint species, leaf color ranges from dark green to a shade of blue or purple. Mint takes between 45 and 90 days to mature when planted as seedlings and can be harvested in 10 day intervals to allow for regrowth. Nascent shoots have the most flavor and aroma compared to leaves and stems that have overgrown.
Mint has a myriad of uses ranging from medicinal, culinary and industrial. Mint is used as a food additive to garnish and add taste, as well as an aromatic complement in drinks. It is widely used in industrial manufacture of candy, deodorant, air fresheners, toothpaste and beauty products. Mint has gained popularity the world over for its properties and cooling effect such that synthetic product has been produced mimicking the mint effects.
Mint is widely used in aromatherapy due to the ability of the essentials oils it contains to open the sinuses and aid decongestion. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent known as rosmarinic acid which relieves allergies.
In Kenya, herb production is a growing branch of agriculture. Mint farming is currently done sparingly by export companies and small scale farmers in Nakuru, Muranga, Kiambu and Kitengela. Companies such as Green Blade Growers and Premium Seed primarily export herbs to the European market, but also to Middle East and the U.S fueled by the world turning to organic and herbal products, where a kilogram of crushed mint leaves retails for approximately KES600.
At Oxfarm organic we provide you with mint seedlings at only KES 100 and provide advice on
Soil testing and crop management
