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Also call:
 | DESCRIPTION
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Myrtle is a close tight bush that grows
to the height between 1-3cm tall. The leaves are dark green and
glossy. The shape of the leaves are oval but neatly pointed and the
flowers are white and have a long, golden stamens like eyelashes and have
such a sweet fragrant. After it flowers, little blue-black berries
appears. Myrtle is not the same as the crepe myrtle.
| HISTORY AND ORIGIN
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Before the Biblical times, Myrtle has a
specific purpose such as a spice, medicine and cosmetic purpose. In
the Orient, they use the dried powdered leaves as a dusting powder for
babies by pounding the leaves to powder form. The Greeks and the
Romans used the berries as a breath freshener. It was believed to have
been associated with love, fidelity and immortality.
| BUYING AND STORAGE
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Myrtle is not sold as a herb or food
but you can get it as a garden shrubs.
| PREPARATION AND USE
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In the Mediterranean countries, they
use the leaves to put flavour in their roasted meats and game birds.
They do this by wrapping or stuffing the cooked meat with its fragrant,
fresh leaves for about 5-10 minutes before serving. The dried seeds
can be used as a peppery seasoning when its been pounded. The flowers
of the Myrtle can be use over fruit salads and deserts but not too much.
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