How can you tell the difference between a peppermint plant and a spearmint plant?
Appearance wise, peppermint has fuzzy leaves with jaggedly toothed edges. If you crush a leaf in your hand, it’s going to have a strong minty aroma. Peppermint contains 40% menthol while spearmint contains less than 1% menthol. This means peppermint is going to have a more intense “minty” flavor that spearmint.
Is the mint plant peppermint or spearmint?
Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors.
How can you tell the difference between mint plants?
To distinguish between them, you’ll have to take a nibble. A strong menthol aftertaste means peppermint, while a sweet, light flavor means spearmint. Use young spearmint leaves in cooking, peppermint leaves for tea and other drinks. The climate in which the mint is growing can also help you identify it.
Is peppermint plant and mint plant the same?
The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species.
What does 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.).
Does spearmint keep bugs away?
Some varieties of mint, such as peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata), also have insect repellent properties. Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
Can you eat peppermint leaves?
Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn’t typically cause side effects. Allergies to mint are uncommon. In people who are allergic to mint, an interaction with the herb can trigger asthma symptoms.
Can you substitute peppermint for mint?
You most certainly can use peppermint extract in place of mint extract. Be aware, though. It will give you a much more robust and pronounced flavor due to having a higher menthol content. Mint extract is a blending of peppermint and spearmint flavoring.
Can spearmint and peppermint be planted together?
Peppermint plants should be spaced between 18 and 24 inches (45 and 60 cm) apart. Spearmint plants should be placed between 3 and 4 feet (90-120cm) apart.
Can you substitute peppermint for spearmint?
However, when it comes down to it, spearmint is better in savory dishes while peppermint is better used for a chocolate dessert. Don’t fret, you won’t ruin a recipe by using the wrong mint, so if your grocery store only stocks one mint option you can still use it.
Can you use peppermint instead of mint?
Can you plant peppermint and spearmint together?
Mints. The mint family plants, which include peppermint, spearmint, catmint, flavored mints such as orange mint and lemon balm, are spreading plants. Don’t mix different mints in the same box because they interbreed and will produce some new and probably not as deliciously fragrant varieties.
What is the difference between mint and peppermint?
Peppermint and mint extracts are made by extracting the oil from the plant’s leaves. The main difference between peppermint and mint extracts is the plant from which they are derived. Peppermint extract is made from pure peppermint oil, while mint extract is derived from any number of, or combination of, culinary mint plants.
Does “Mint” mean peppermint or spearmint?
Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, whereas peppermint extract is just that. Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors.
What are the uses of peppermint plants?
Peppermint is an aromatic plant, created from the blending of watermint and spearmint. It is used to add flavor or fragrance to foods, cosmetics, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other products, and it may have some medicinal uses. Peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) leaves can be used dried or fresh in teas.
Where to plant peppermint plants?
Mint traditionally grows on the banks of streams, ponds, and rivers, where it has naturally well-draining soil. Sandy loam soil with good organic matter is a good choice for planting peppermint. To ensure lush growth, you can add organic nitrogen fertilizer to the soil.