Report on the talk "Mustard to Mint"

The talk by Ian Margetts on Tuesday 5th May started with a disaster.

There was no electricity in the village centre, meaning no lights, no hot drinks, and no slide show.

We found torches and decided to carry on regardless.

A human chain was formed to carry in Ian’s merchandise, which smelled amazing. Peppermint and chamomile teas, peppermint chocolates and an indulgent range of bath and home products.

Ian rose to the occasion and raised a laugh every time he remarked that he ‘had a really good picture to illustrate this’. It became clear that adaptability was a way of life for him.

The story of Summerdown Mint is a masterclass in highly successful diversification.

Summerdown comprises 3000 acres of land. Most of it grows cereals.

Only 250 acres grow essential oil crops. The decision to grow plants for essential oils came from a think-tank of experienced farmers searching for new ways to increase their income. Summerdown decided to grow Black Mitcham peppermint, which is hard to propagate, and hard to keep alive. Its roots only penetrate the top two inches of soil so it is very susceptible to drought.

Unlike every other type of mint, Black Mitcham keeps itself to itself and refuses to spread. However, the flavour is superb, and the plant is English. The distillation process is a wet steam method that bursts the oil cells in the leaves. The oil then matures for two years to allow its distinctive mellow smoothness to develop.

Marketing the oil was tricky. The major sweet and chocolate manufacturers didn’t want it because it would have changed the flavour of their flagship products.

The only way forward was to develop a unique range of Summerdown products. The peppermint creams have been best sellers since their creation 20 years ago.

Their products sell all over the world. China buys massage and aromatherapy oil, and tea. France buys lavender oil, and Summerdown chocolates can be found in New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and most of the countries in between.

Twinings tried to buy the company after tasting Summerdown peppermint tea, but their offer was refused.

One day he was contacted by two young lads who wanted to use his peppermint oil to flavour their chewing gum.

They looked like a couple of vagrants , so he tactfully refused their offer to mention Summerdown on their packaging.

Afterwards he realised they were the founders of Innocent Smoothies, they were both millionaires, and their chewing gum brand is Peppersmith – a name which has become internationally famous.

They became good friends, and he still supplies their peppermint oil. It was a salutary reminder never to judge by appearances.

The evening ended with a joyful shopping spree. We filled our pockets with slabs of chocolate and packets of tea and finally the lights came back on!

The Flower of the Month competition was won by Jenny Hall with a crimson peony.

Forthcoming Events:

Tuesday 2nd June: ‘Healthy Soil for Small-scale Farming’ talk by Chris Haskins

Tuesday 7th July: Beavers at Meonside Farm: Will and Olly Anderson

Saturday 29th August: 75th Summer Show: 11am – 4.30pm