It’s a great addition to teas as well as cocktails (like mojitos and mint juleps). You’ll often see it with lamb, pork, or vegetables. Because of the low menthol, spearmint also has a much weaker cooling effect. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate, almost sweet flavor that comes from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than menthol (0.5 percent). Spearmint, also part of the Mentha genus, is part of the Spicata species and is not a hybrid. Peppermint contains a much higher level of the chemical ingredient menthol (40 percent) that creates the instantly recognizable cooling effect on the mouth or on the skin. Because of this quality, peppermint is used for a whole slew of medicinal purposes including relaxing muscles or soothing sore throats.īut it’s also a delicious accompaniment to chocolatey desserts, so you’ll see it, particularly around the holidays, paired with chocolate in hot chocolate, cakes, cupcakes, cannoli and just about anything sweet. It’s a hybrid between spearmint and watermint indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint (also known as Mentha Balsamea Wild) belongs to the Menthe genus and the Piperita species. ![]() That’s not saying they wouldn’t be good - just noticeably different.įrom a botanical perspective, both have square stems and spear-shaped leaves, and both are great for cooking, but the two have distinct difference in terms of flavor and uses. You’re likely to notice right away if someone switches the spearmint in your mojito with peppermint or if your barista were to replace the peppermint in your mocha with spearmint. Peppermint and spearmint are, by far, the most popular. ![]() Peppermint might steal the show, but actually, there are over 15 types of mint including orange mint, apple mint, and of course, spearmint. Peppermint is practically the poster child for the entire winter season, with candy canes, peppermint patties, peppermint bark, and peppermint flavored hot chocolate. With the holidays here you can be sure of one thing - mint, mint, mint, and more mint.
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