What is difference between mint peppermint and spearmint?

Peppermint’s flavor is similar to spearmint, but it contains the ingredient menthol, making its flavor stronger and more pronounced. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus . 05% in spearmint).

Is spearmint leaves the same as mint leaves?

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a type of mint that has a delicately sweet taste used in cooking. It is also a popular ingredient in commercial products such as toothpaste or chewing gum. The leaves of this popular herb look similar to regular mint leaves with a spear shape and bright green color.

Are mint leaves peppermint or spearmint?

Mint is the general name for an herb popularly known for its menthol cooling properties. Two of the 13-18 types of mint are peppermint and spearmint. Mint comes from the Mentha genus. Peppermint is scientifically known as Mentha piperita, while spearmint is scientifically known as Mentha spicata.

How do I know if I have peppermint or spearmint?

This means peppermint is going to have a more intense “minty” flavor that spearmint. So if you grab a leaf of your garden mint and taste it, if it has a really strong minty aftertaste, you are dealing with peppermint. If you have a lighter flavor that borders on sweetness, you’re most likely tasting spearmint.

How do I identify a peppermint plant?

To make a positive identification, look for square, purplish stems with dark green, toothed leaves and reddish veins. In mid-to-late summer, violet flowers appear in whorls (little clusters) around the stem. These flowers, along with the leaves, are harvested just as the flowers begin to open.

Which mint is best for cooking?

Spearmint
Spearmint. Spearmint is most commonly used in cooking for many recipes, including lamb, vegetables, and of course, mint juleps and mojitos.

What does a spearmint plant look like?

Spearmint resembles peppermint, though spearmint plants have bright green leaves that are pointed, and lavender flower spikes that grow up to 4 inches (10 cm.) long. When planted in ideal conditions, spearmint will reach a mature height and width of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.).

Which is better mint or peppermint?

The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Since peppermint has a strong flavour, it is not often used as fresh herbs for cuisines. It is often processed into peppermint oil and used as a flavouring.

What mint is best for tea?

Peppermint or spearmint are classic choices, but other varieties will work just as well. You can even use a mixture of them. While you can use dried mint for tea, it doesn’t compare to the flavor of fresh herbs. Serve it hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened, and with or without lemon.