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.
Is spearmint and mint the same?
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.
What type of herb is spearmint?
Mint is a fast-growing, aromatic herb plant in the Mentha genus. There are literally hundreds of mint plant varieties and far too many to name here.
What is the common name for Mentha spicata?
Spearmint
Identification: Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a rhizomatous, upright perennial which is most commonly grown as a culinary herb and/or ground cover.
How would you describe spearmint?
Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. It gets its flavor from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than the aforementioned menthol and doesn’t evoke the same cooling sensation.
Can I use mint instead of 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. Below, we’ve shared some of our favorite mint recipes.
Which is better for you spearmint or peppermint?
Peppermint tea contains a higher content of Vitamin A and C than spearmint tea. However, spearmint tea contains twice the iron content. Additionally, peppermint contains nearly double the calories of spearmint.
Does spearmint stop hair growth?
Drinking spearmint tea may help reduce hirsutism, or growth of dark, coarse hair on the face, chest and abdomen of women. In fact, it’s a common herbal remedy for unwanted hair growth in Middle Eastern countries ( 12 ).
What do you use spearmint for?
Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.
What is spearmint herb good for?
Overview. 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 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 is the local name of mint?
Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Report
| Mentha spicata var. longifolia L. | |
| Mentha spicata var. spicata L. | |
| Common Name(s): | bush mint [English] |
| spearmint [English] | |
| Taxonomic Status: |
Does spearmint grow back every year?
Mint Plants’ Life Expectancy
Mint is a hardy perennial, which means you don’t have to plant it every season. After lying dormant each winter, it starts to revive and sprout again in the spring. Its hardy nature is due to strong roots that rapidly spread underground and grow new shoots.
Are spearmint and peppermint the same plant?
Many people talk about them interchangeably, but spearmint and peppermint are actually two distinct plants (via Reluctant Gourmet). Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, a mint variety that we don’t see so much.
Does spearmint keep mosquitoes away?
Peppermint, pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) – all have pest-repelling qualities. Sprays made from these plants create an effective mosquito repellent as well as repel other insect species.
Can I drink spearmint tea everyday?
Spearmint extract has most often been used by adults at a dose of 900 mg by mouth daily for up to 90 days. Spearmint tea has most often been used as two cups daily for up to 16 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Are wintergreen and spearmint the same?
Spearmint Gum
Just to avoid confusion. The green-boxed counterpart to Wintergreen is the popular Spearmint brand. Spearmint is indeed a species of the mint plant and has a sweeter taste than other varieties. If you have a big sweet tooth as I do, this may be your favorite type of gum (no worries, it’s still sugarless).
When a recipe calls for mint is it spearmint or peppermint?
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.
Is spearmint tea anti inflammatory?
The abundance of anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of spearmint makes it extremely beneficial for respiratory health. It provides relief from a sore throat, clears nasal and chest congestion and also soothes a dry, irritated throat.
Does spearmint tea help with weight loss?
As a result, Spearmint Tea benefits might, according to the aforementioned research, offer support. Additionally, it’s worth noting that this beverage contains no more than two calories per 8-oz cup. This, of course, makes it an excellent alternative to sugary soft drinks, which in turn promotes weight loss.
Is spearmint good for acid reflux?
Conclusion: Spearmint has no effect on LES pressure or acid reflux.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!