Mint Jelly vs. Mint Sauce

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When you think about herb mint, there is always that nice cool effect, similar to how peppermint or menthol tastes. However, did you know you can make this simple leafy plant into a nice thick jelly or a sweet sauce for marinades or sauces? 

Many like to use these mint-based jellies or sauces for meats like a lamb, which have a nice natural sweetness. There are going to be more than just lamb-based foods. 

Consider creating a nice salad using these to compliment melons and other fruits for a nice afternoon lunch or snack, or even mix it into a tomato sauce to create a different flavor for the evening pasta meal. 

What are the Similarities?

The biggest similarity between these two types of mint products is the flavor of the herb itself, and each will carry a nice cooling peppermint aftertaste, which mint is known for. 

There are also going to be similar ingredients that are used, there is normally a citric acid juice (lemon is frequently used), and then you will have the sweetness from any sugars that are mixed in. 

Then you have the applications of these two mint products, including being a perfect compliment to a lamb roast or similarly flavored sweetmeats.

The main benefit will be the way the citric acid works its way into the meat fibers and opens it up allowing for the inner portions to absorb some of the marinade being used. 

 

What are the Differences?

The main difference between the Mint jelly and sauce will be in the thickness and consistency of the mint-based mixtures. This comes from the difference in ingredients and how these two products are prepared. 

For instance, the mint jelly will go through a cooking process that requires the chef to use a blender to mix water and mint; then, boil the mixture to pull the natural elements of an herb, including the peppermint-like flavor. 

The sauce is very different, which only requires placing all of the ingredients into a jar and allowing this mixture to gestate for upwards of a month. 

 

Pros and Cons: Mint Jelly vs. Mint Sauce

When it comes to preparing the mint sauce, the best pro will be the ease with which a person can make this type of sauce. Though making it easy, the con will be the time in which a person preparing this treat must wait for it to be ready for usage. 

When it comes to jelly, the pro will be the fact that you can enjoy the mint jelly by itself, along with it being the perfect complement to a Roasted Leg of Lamb. 

The con will be that in comparison to the sauce, it will be more difficult to create and make. Plus, there are going to be additional steps in which an error can be made. 

 

Which one is Easier to Prepare?

As mentioned in the article earlier, there is going to be a very simple way to make and prepare a good mint sauce. The mint jelly will require the first step of blending the herb itself and water, then bringing it to a boil to concentrate the mint flavor. 

Then it is added to a saucepan, along with lemon (citric) juice and sugar, which is then brought to a second boil before the Pectin is added. Afterward is a cooling stage, which can last five days. 

The mint sauce is much simpler than that. In fact, after getting the correct measurements for the recipe, the only step to take is to find a jar to fit the ingredients in and allow them to congeal naturally after a month’s time. 

 

Which One is More Versatile?

This is going to be one of those comparisons where each type of mint product can be almost interchangeable when it comes to most recipes that require one of these two items. 

So let’s start with the jelly, which can be used as a solo dessert-like snack, but then also be introduced to another sauce to add complexity or used as a glaze for sweeter meats like lamb and honey ham. 

Then you have the sauce, which is thinner and not as easily consumed, meaning it is not recommended as a solo ingredient. 

These sauces, like the jellies, can be added to other sauces and marinades to add complexity but also can be used as a stand-alone dressing to boost sweeter meats, like berry-fed venison or small game. 

 

Final Thoughts on Mint Jelly vs. Mint Sauce

When it comes to these two forms of mint, there are going to be many pairings and flavors complementing mixtures and foods that benefit from that cool peppermint effect. The fun part will be experimenting to find new combinations. 

 

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