Types Of Mint Plants

November 17, 2024 Post a Comment

Types of mint plants

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita 'Mitcham'). The best-tasting peppermint is found under various names throughout the country: 'Mitcham', black-stemmed, 'Blue Balsam', and even chocolate mint. It is highly mentholated, almost hot, and full of flavor.

Are there different types of mint plants?

How Many Types of Mint Are There? You may be surprised to learn there are over 600 varieties of mint on the planet! The mint plant produces a ton of herbs and flavors that are distinct from one another.

What are the two main varieties of mint?

The smell of mint is one of the easiest scents to recognize, used in dozens of candies and holiday desserts. Most recognize spearmint and peppermint, but did you know that hundreds of types of mint plants exist and grow well in herb gardens.

What kind of mint is not edible?

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Pennyroyal looks very similar to peppermint. However, caution is advised as the pennyroyal is poisonous.

Are there any poisonous mint plants?

Perilla mint has a shallow taproot and fibrous roots. Perilla mint causes more cattle deaths in Tennessee than any other toxic plant. Perilla is very poisonous to cattle and other ruminants, as well as horses. All plant parts are toxic, especially the flowering structures.

What kind of mint plant keeps bugs away?

Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly. It is best to grow mint in containers when you have space limitations.

Where should you not plant mint?

Avoid duplicating photos showing mint planted in a single windowsill container with other herbs: mint does NOT do well planted with other common herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme, as these herbs prefer soil dry-down and sunny locations.

What kind of mint do chefs use?

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

How can you tell the difference between mint and spearmint?

Taste: Spearmint has a subtler, lighter flavor, vaguely sweet flavor. Peppermint has a sharper flavor that is almost spicy due to its high menthol content.

Does mint need full sun or shade?

Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, should be planted early in the growing season and is generally hardy to -20° F. Mint prefers moist soil conditions, but excess water will promote root and leaf diseases.

Can mint come back every year?

Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring. Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container.

What is the hardiest mint plant?

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a great variety for hot and cold drinks, especially mojitos. Peppermint (M. piperita) is one of the hardiest varieties and is great for cooking.

What is the strongest smelling mint?

Mentha graveolens|strong-smelling mint/RHS Gardening.

What type of mint is sold in grocery stores?

Of the two, spearmint is the one almost always sold in grocery stores and markets. So when a recipe calls for mint, it's generally spearmint, recognizable for its light-green, spear-shaped leaves and that classic sweet mint flavor. Spearmint is also commonly used to make gum and candy.

Why is mint not healthy?

Like many herbs, mint can adversely affect some people. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint in an attempt to soothe digestive issues. According to a 2019 review , mint commonly acts as a trigger for GERD symptoms. Taking peppermint oil in large doses can be toxic .

Is it OK to chew mint leaves?

Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.

Is it OK to chew fresh mint leaves?

Are mint leaves edible? Yes, mint leaves are edible, whether raw or cooked. When you think of mint, you probably think of peppermint. However, there are a variety of delicious mint variations that you can try.

Is mint plant toxic to dogs?

Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly.

Can you get sick from mint 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. For this reason, people who are allergic to mint should avoid it completely.

Does mint attract any pests?

The pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.