Peppermint and mint, both of them are often referred to as pudina in Hindi, which has often made many of us wonder the difference between the two. Summers are here and it seems as if the temperatures are soaring with each passing day.
Is Pudina called spearmint?
Mint is a generic term for ‘mentha plant’ family. The most common and popular mints for cultivation are peppermint (Mentha × piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and (more recently) apple mint.
Are Pudina and peppermint same?
Looks like Pudina is the Hindi name for both mint and peppermint. Mint is the generic term for ‘mentha plant’ family. Peppermint, spearmint and 15 or so varieties belong to the mentha family.
Which variety of mint is Pudina?
The scientific name of Pudina is Mentha spicata subsp. spicata, and it belongs to family Lamiaceae (The mint family). Pudina is commonly known as Garden mint in English. While other mint varieties are high maintenance, Pudina can be grown effortlessly in India.
What is pudInA called in English?
mint uncountable noun. Mint is a fresh-tasting herb. /pudina, pudInA, pudeenaa, pudīnā/
Is spearmint used for Indian cooking?
For most culinary purposes spearmint is the preferred variety. In Indian cooking It is widely used in chutneys, relishes, salads, sauces and teas. Mint is mostly added to biryanis (Moghul rice preparation), lassi – the North Indian refreshing drink.
What is another name for spearmint?
Spearmint, also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is a species of mint, Mentha spicata, native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, extending from France in the west to southern China in the east.
Are mint leaves and spearmint leaves the same thing?
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. 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.
Is all mint peppermint?
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 is the difference between mint and spearmint?
While peppermint’s menthol content is a whopping 40 per cent, spearmint contains just 0.5 per cent. Therefore peppermint is especially pungent and even spicy, hence the ‘pepper’ in its name. Spearmint, on the other hand, contains a compound called carvone, which gives it a much subtler, sweeter flavour.
Are there different types of spearmint?
Peppermint. Spearmint. Pineapple mint. Apple mint (Woolly mint)
What are spearmint leaves?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a species of mint plant. It’s grown for its leaves and essential oil, which is used as a flavoring in foods and cosmetics. Spearmint oil contains chemicals that reduce swelling and affect hormone levels in the body, including testosterone.
Is Pudina and basil same?
Mint has a completely different appearance when placed next to a basil plant. Compared to the smooth and sleek look of the sweet basil leaves, the mint leaves look much rougher and textured. They have jagged edges along the leaf edges and also tend to have a fuzzy appearance.
What is mint leaves called in India?
One of the oldest herbs known to mankind, mint is called pudina in Hindi.
What variety is Indian mint?
Pudina. This is indeed the most popular Mint variety in India. Pudina is a household name and an essential part of Indian cuisine, especially the famous ‘Pudine Ki Chutney.
What mint is used in cooking?
Spearmint
Spearmint is most commonly used in cooking for many recipes, including lamb, vegetables, and of course, mint juleps and mojitos.
Can you eat spearmint leaves?
Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family, consisting of about 15 to 20 species, such as spearmint and peppermint, all of which are perfectly fine to eat raw or cooked. Mint leaves are a favored herb that people use, dried or fresh in many dishes and infusions.
What spearmint smells like?
Aromatic Description
Spearmint Essential Oil smells minty, fresh and perhaps slightly fruity in aroma. It is somewhat less intense than peppermint.
What is spearmint used for?
Spearmint is an herb. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine. Spearmint is used for digestive disorders including gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal tract spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bile duct and gallbladder swelling (inflammation), and gallstones.
Can I use spearmint instead of mint?
Both are used in cooking, have medicinal purposes, and make for great essential oils and tea. Both also have square stems and spear-shaped leaves. However, when it comes down to it, spearmint is better in savory dishes while peppermint is better used for a chocolate dessert.
Can I use mint instead of peppermint?
Mint Leaves
They have less menthol in them, which means they may not yield as strong a flavor as peppermint extract, but gives a very similar result. Fresh mint leaves can be chopped and added to recipes in place of peppermint extract.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.