However, peppermint flowers are often pink or darker, while those of spearmint can be pink or white. Additionally, peppermint has purple stems, while spearmint has green stems that occasionally contain a light purple hue but are less prominent than peppermint.įlowers: Spearmint and peppermint flowers look almost similar in structure, growing a few millimeters long in small bunches forming cone shapes. Stem: Both peppermint and spearmint have hairy stems, but peppermint has fewer hairs than spearmint. Peppermint, on the other hand, has thinner dark green leaves that might have dark red or purple veins, especially on the back. Leaves: As the word suggests, spearmint has spear-shaped leaves that look sharp, hairy, glossy, larger, and serrated on the edges. However, spearmint is scientifically known as Mentha spicata, while peppermint is known as Mentha x piperita. Scientific classificationīoth spearmint and peppermint are members of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and the genus Mentha. Spearmint and peppermint have several distinctive differences, including scientific classification, appearance, and taste differences. Despite its sweet flavor, spearmint is often used in savory dishes like pasta dishes, pesto sauce or as a garnish for roasted vegetables and soft drinks like iced tea and cocktails like mojitos. Its light and sweet flavor come from a chemical called carvone. Generally, the leaves of this herb are similar in appearance to regular mint leaves, with a spear-like shape and bright green color.Īdditionally, spearmint has a low concentration of menthol (0.5%). It’s often used to relieve indigestion, gas, nausea, and vomiting. It’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can support good health and alleviate different symptoms. Spearmint is native to Europe and Asia, but today, it’s also grown in North America and some parts of Africa. It’s also a common ingredient in healthy-food products, mouthwash, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Spearmint (Mentha spicata), also known as garden mint, lamb mint, common mint, or mackerel, is a type of mint with a pleasant smelling aroma and a delicately sweet taste commonly used in cooking. It’s also used to add fragrance to soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, and other products. This explains why it is frequently used as a flavoring for items like ice cream. In cooking, peppermint often pairs well with sweet dishes like desserts, particularly when combined with chocolate. Peppermint essential oil has also been applied to the skin to relieve different conditions, including joint pain, muscle aches, headache, and itching. Peppermint is often promoted for its ability to relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches, the common cold, bronchitis, asthma, and sinus infections. This compound also gives peppermint its numbing and cooling properties. Typically, it is a combination of spearmint and water mint and contains a high concentration of menthol, around 40%, which is responsible for its minty and slightly spicy taste. Peppermint is a hybrid plant of the mint family, known for its cooling sensation when consumed or applied topically. There are over 15 types of mint including, peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, applemint, orange mint, See, Mint Teaand What Does Tarragon Taste Like What is Peppermint? We’ll also look at different factors, including flavor, availability, and uses, to help you better choose the type suitable for your needs. peppermint, including the various benefits associated with each one of them. In this article, I’ll help you differentiate spearmint vs. But although they may share some similarities, they have distinct differences, and it can be difficult for most people to tell them apart. They are often used in cooking and offer a refreshing flavor that most people like. Spearmint and paper mint are both herbs from the mint family.
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