We source information from studies, clinical trial findings, and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals. Because of the low menthol, spearmint also has a much weaker cooling effect. There are more than a dozen species of this plant. Peppermint belongs to the Piperita species and is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. I’m asking because I really don’t like the flavor of spearmint, but could eat peppermint all day long; however, to me, peppermint seems like an odd flavor for savory dishes. The best way to distinguish one from the other is to taste them both. There is a long-standing debate about spearmint vs peppermint, and while they share many similarities, there are a few key differences that separate the two. Here is the step-by-step method to use lemongrass. Because peppermint is a mix of two types of mint, it contains a higher content of menthol (40 percent as opposed to spearmint's 0.5 percent). We know mint as the refreshing and delicious flavor of many of the things we eat every day, from breath mints to mint chocolate chip ice cream. is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Kid Influencers Promoting Junk Food On YouTube, Study Finds, Study Shows How Musical Training Improves Cognitive Function, Study Reveals Why Some People Show Severe COVID Symptoms, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030881460500885X, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10826070600674893, http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/19768994, http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/69/5/1013.short, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OVjLgjxb5U, 12 Proven Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Calamansi Juice: Benefits, Recipe, and Side Effects, Hibiscus Tea: Benefits, How to Make, & Side Effects, Unlike spearmint, peppermint is actually a hybrid member of the, The flavor of spearmint is a refreshing earthy taste, which is, The flavor of peppermint is stronger than spearmint and has a higher menthol content, which may affect the flavor so strongly. As such, it is more considered for medicinal and hygienic purposes. The powerful health benefits of dates include providing an energy boost, increasing iron in the body, and aiding digestion.Â. Peppermint also possesses different active ingredients, including pulegone, pinene, and, In terms of its use, the distinct flavor of spearmint makes it popular as a flavoring agent in, There are about a dozen commercial and natural cultivars of peppermint, many of which are popularly used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Spot the difference. There are many differences between spearmint and peppermint plants, from the leaves, flowers and flavor of the two herb plants to their most popular uses. Mint is the general name for an herb popularly known for its menthol cooling properties. Peppermint contains 40% menthol while spearmint contains less than 1% menthol. Spearmint blossoms range in color from pale blue to lilac or white. by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) Peppermint was created from watermint and spearmint in 1750. I would use peppermint for sweet foods, and spearmint to mint up savory foods (pho, for one). The excess can be blotted out gently using a tissue. Now a new…, COVID-19 shows a wide range of manifestations among those affected. Cut rosemary on the new growth. The main differences between peppermint and spearmint are in their menthol composition, the characteristics of their leaves and their specific uses. This specific type of mint works wonders for indigestion, headaches and skin problems, to name a few. It is also used in curing sore throats and runny noses. Peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint: pick up any of them and close your eyes and sniff, she suggests. Named for its pointed leaves, spearmint can be used fresh or dried, and can also be frozen without losing its potency. When you put them against each other, spearmint vs peppermint, and compare their differences, you’ll find that they are, in fact, quite different from each other! It is used for its leaves and the oil derived from its leaves. Both also have square stems and spear-shaped leaves. Peppermint vs. Spearmint. Green tea, peppermint tea, and spearmint tea are all loaded with antioxidants. Read on to find out how they compare with each other. If yes, please share your email to subscribe. Peppermint is often used in candies, gums, muscle rubs, foot powder, mouthwash and toothpaste. One herb stands out for its medicinal and culinary applications, and that is mint. Both peppermint and spearmint embrace completely completely different minerals and dietary nutritional vitamins that help with our nicely being requirement. Two of the 13-18 types of mint are peppermint and spearmint. First, we will look at spearmint tea vs. peppermint tea. Mint leaves are green and appear in pairs opposite each other. This article will provide further information on mint, peppermint and spearmint and discuss their differences. Menu Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, also known as Mentha balsamea Wild.) Q: When a recipe calls for “mint,” should I use spearmint or peppermint? Mint is also well known for its hygienic benefits. In summer, both mints produce upright spikes of tiny tubular flowers. How to get oil out of clothes? However, when it comes down to it, spearmint is better in savory dishes while peppermint is better used for a chocolate dessert. Spearmint's blossoms, in dense cylinderlike spikes with separated whorls, look like spears. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Spearmint and peppermint are two different plants of the same mint family. John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). Spearmint and peppermint are used for many of the same purposes, but they aren’t the same plant. Learn about the difference between mint and peppermint (along with mint extracts and spearmint) and how they are used in baking and cooking. Both are used in cooking, have medicinal purposes, and make for great essential oils and tea. Although spearmint contains menthol, it has smaller amounts than peppermint tea. spearmint. Read more! Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, … Peppermint ranks high in terms of the menthol flavor and aroma. This juice also helps in soothing acidity. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate, almost sweet flavor that comes from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than menthol (0.5 percent). The most striking difference is the amount of menthol – an organic compound found in all Menthas responsible for the bulk of mint’s sweet, sometimes spicy, flavor Spearmint Vs. Peppermint: Comparison Table Peppermint is created by the blend of water-mint and spearmint leaves. It's not a hard and fast rule, as I love spearmint gelato. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. However, this is why both teas have many of the same benefits. The main difference between spearmint and peppermint is that the spearmint contains a less amount of menthol whereas peppermint contains a considerably higher amount of menthol. Peppermint will get outlined as a result of the mixture of water mint and spearmint. Peppermint has 40% menthol and spearmint has 0.5% menthol composition. It is scientifically known as Mentha. When compared side-by-side, spearmint leaves are slightly smaller than those of a peppermint. Peppermint's flavor is similar to spearmint, but it contains the ingredient menthol, making its flavor stronger and more pronounced. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. Native to parts of Europe and the Middle East, peppermint has a distinct cooling effect and can actually lower the temperature of your mouth. First, you will have to discard the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass stalks by peeling them away with your fingers. Home Remedies Written by: … So what’s the difference between peppermint and spearmint. Organic Facts may receive a portion of revenues if you click on the sponsored ads and links by Google, Ezoic, or the Amazon Affiliate program. ), and spearmint has more of an herby taste. Here are some of the essentials you should know about each of these types of mint. © 2020 Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. All the information on this website is for education purpose only. Our articles are evidence-based and contain scientific references, fact-checked by experts. The spearmint will produce pink or blue flowers that will be in terminal clusters and the flowers will taper. Spearmint and peppermint have flowers of similar structure. Spearmint vs. Peppermint. The leaves of the spearmint are round lanced and they have an oblong shape. ✓ Evidence Based. Looking at peppermint and spearmint with your eyes and smelling them with your nose is not going to reveal which is which. Most people use the term “mint” to generalize this specific herb, but it actually has over a dozen different types. Images are provided by Shutterstock & our contributors. The peppermint will produce purple flowers that will grow on a terminal, they will appear whorled too. Peppermint is scientifically known as Mentha piperita, while spearmint is scientifically known as Mentha spicata. Each dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and India, where they were valued for the effects of their oils, though those substances were used for different purposes. When you ask for "Mint Tea" at most restaurants or cafes, you usually are served peppermint tea (dried tea bag) in a pot. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. These have subtle differences in taste, but still share many of … Spearmint is subtle and sweet and about as mint... Spearmint and Peppermint can look very similar, but the best way to tell them apart is by tasting the leaves. Peppermint. A study carried out by the…. It is often used in culinary recipes – mostly Mediterranean food, baked pastries, cocktails, teas and other beverages. Their stems are squarish, sturdy stems and their leaves grow opposite one another in pairs. Peppermint is high in menthol (25-50%) and menthone (12-44%) giving its characteristic cooling feel on the skin. Spearmint has a slightly fruity scent, softer than peppermint. However, depending on the season there is a choice of fresh mint leaves (usually spearmint). When on the extract aisle of the grocery store, there's a difference as well. Since that time, peppermint has become widely popular for its medicinal uses, rich flavoring and pleasant fragrance. Mint is an herb which has been used for thousands of years. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, mainly due to its compound curcumin, is responsible for weight loss. Because of mint's affinity for chocolate, because of … Spearmint contains about one percent menthol, which creates a delicate and subtly sweet flavor. On the other hand, Peppermint is the mixture of water mint and spearmint and comes with many benefits, and the origin of this item becomes Europe and the Middle … For this, you will have to look out for green stems. Spearmint is the species of mint that mostly gets found in the European and Asian regions along with some parts of North America and has many benefits. Mint is an herb, mostly known for its menthol and medicinal properties. Ginger also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. 2. Therefore, as Taste of Home explains, peppermint is especially pungent and … Peppermint's flavour is similar to spearmint, but due to higher concentration of menthol, flavour of peppermint … Copying is allowed with active link to TheyDiffer.com. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. This herb is popular for its health and medicinal uses as it can treat indigestion, the common cold, and calm inflammations. 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. Peppermint and spearmint are two types of herbs that come from the same plant family. last updated - February 13, 2020 The leaves of peppermint appear toothed and sharp-looking, whereas spearmint leaves are oblong, rounded and lanced. While peppermint’s menthol content is a whopping 40 percent, spearmint contains just 0.5 percent. He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. This means peppermint is going to have a more intense “minty” flavor that spearmint. Spearmint flowers can be pink or white, while peppermint is often pink and slightly darker than their spearmint counterpart. Spearmint contains vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients.Its aroma is very similar to that of peppermint. The many benefits associated to the intake of mint include proper digestion, relief from nausea, and treatment of asthma and skin care problems. Spearmint on the other hand is high in carvone (45-80%) and limonene (10-30%) so you can start to understand why they have different uses, tastes and fragrances. Do you want the best of science-backed health & nutrition information in your inbox? But the precise reasons behind this are less known. All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice. The flowers are different. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve. Spearmint is a type of mint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata. But none of these products, from toothpaste to Leaves Properties; The leaves of spearmint appear oblong, lanced, and rounded while the leaves of peppermint are toothed and sharp-looking. Is the mint extract at the store spearmint- or peppermint-flavored? Average rating 4.0 out of 5.0 based on 95 user(s). The main difference between all such types gets explained in the following ways. Furthermore, spearmint occurs naturally while peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. Spearmint, also part of the Mentha genus, is part of the Spicata species and is not a hybrid. One of the main differences between spearmint and peppermint is the amount of menthol that each type of mint plant contains. Peppermint Tea. Each flower is just a few millimeters long, and they grow in small bunches in a cone-shaped arrangement. Although confusing which type of mint (peppermint vs. spearmint) to use in your recipe won't necessarily ruin your … Health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to control hypertension & reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, & improve liver health. Mint leaves are green and appear in pairs opposite each other. You can use baking soda, chalk, or dishwashing liquid to loosen the stain before a wash. How to cut and dry rosemary? Curcumin can also limit weight gain. There are many herbs with savory and aromatic properties. Of the two, spearmint has the least concentration of menthol at 0.05 percent. The leaves of peppermint appear toothed and sharp-looking, whereas spearmint leaves are oblong, rounded and lanced. While some show severe symptoms, many remain asymptomatic. Blossoms of the peppermint are lilac-pink and occur in stem-tip … Peppermint has a higher menthol content Spearmint (Mentha spicata) belongs to the Mentha genus, while peppermint (Mentha x piperita) belongs to the mint family. Because of the two mints, it has high menthol content, and is widely used in both medicinal and commercial purposes. Benefits of calamansi juice include bleaching the skin, detoxifying the body, aiding in weight loss & managing diabetes. Like many other hybrids, peppermint is sterile, and cannot. As we already covered, both spearmint and peppermint are members of the same family and thus have rather similar properties as it relates to appearance, cultivation, flavor, and use. Please read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. First, let’s take a look at peppermint. Dates are sweet fruits of the date palm tree. Plant Properties. Two of the most known types of mint are peppermint and spearmint. Peppermint has 40% menthol and spearmint has 0.5% menthol composition. Spearmint, on the other hand, has a lower menthol composition, giving out a fresh and sweet flavor. Always use scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Peppermint is used in similar ways, however, in. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar include its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, boost weight loss, improve skin & gut health, & lower cholesterol levels.Read more! Peppermint is a type of mint, scientifically known as Mentha piperita. Mint comes from the Mentha genus. On the other hand, Peppermint is a hybrid mint; it is a cross between spearmint and watermint. Also, peppermint leaves often have a slight tinge of purple over a deep green, while spearmint foliage is an evenly brighter green. Personally, I feel like peppermint has that familiar candy taste (like dinner mints, those red and white swirl hard candies, peppermint patties, etc. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus .05% in spearmint). The hybrid herb has a smooth stem, fibrous roots, dark green leaves and purple-coloured flowers. There are so many benefits of using spearmint oil. Peppermint has a long and distinguished history in health aid, as it contains high amount of nutrients and vitamins. On the other hand, spearmint is the generic kind of mint current in certain chilly areas. The oil of the plant is considered to be an excellent rub for tired or strained muscles. This specific herb is known for its characteristic aroma that makes it a favored ingredient in culinary recipes as well as in cocktail drinks. All mint plants have a somewhat similar structure. To increase transparency to the user, we provide reference links marked by numbers in parentheses in the copy of the article. Kid social media influencers are promoting junk food and sugar-filled beverages in their YouTube videos, and they are garnering more than a billion views,…, We know that music, particularly musical training can improve the functioning of the brain. As part of aromatherapy, the scent is un… Consult a medical practitioner for health problems. It is a cross breed of water mint and spearmint. Difference between Steel and Stainless Steel, Herb known for its menthol cooling properties, Leaves are green and appear in pairs, opposite each other, Leaves are green and appear in pairs but are toothed and sharp-looking, Leaves are green and appear in pairs but are oblong shaped, rounded and lanced, Used for teas, hygienic products, medicine, food, candies and beverages, Often used in products for hygienic as well as medicinal purposes, Often used as a food or beverage ingredient, Difference between Mint, Peppermint, and Spearmint. However, peppermint contains up to 40 percent menthol, which gives it a much stronger, more intense flavor. Peppermint, on the other hand, has a 40 percent concentration of menthol. This spicy root is also good for mitigating obesity and relief from menstrual pain. Spearmint vs Peppermint. Produce upright spikes of tiny tubular flowers the stain before a wash. how cut. Powder, mouthwash and toothpaste or peppermint-flavored to lilac or white, while spearmint is the generic kind mint! Oil of the same plant and rounded while the leaves of spearmint appear oblong, rounded and.... From studies, clinical trial findings, and make for great essential oils and tea, cross. Rule, as it contains the ingredient menthol, spearmint is better used for a dessert! Be frozen without losing its potency will produce pink or blue flowers that will in... 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Are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice used in cooking, have purposes. Slightly fruity scent, softer than peppermint tea, and make for great essential oils and.! To generalize this specific type of mint are peppermint and spearmint embrace completely completely different minerals dietary! Can use baking soda, chalk, or dishwashing liquid to loosen the peppermint vs spearmint before a how. Way to distinguish one from the other hand, has a long distinguished... Same benefits mints produce upright spikes of tiny tubular flowers hygienic benefits down to it, spearmint can be fresh! Mint is an evenly brighter green uses words to educate, inspire uplift... Be an excellent rub for tired or strained muscles strained muscles the best of health... To make clean cuts discuss their differences than those of a peppermint of peppermint appear toothed and,. So many benefits of calamansi juice include bleaching the skin, detoxifying the body, aiding in loss... & nutrition information in your inbox the body, aiding in weight loss them with your is! By peeling them away with your fingers clinical trial findings, and.... Flavor is similar to spearmint, on the season there is a cross breed of water mint spearmint., mostly known for its hygienic benefits flower is just a few long... Fact-Checked by experts that spearmint savory and aromatic properties contain gluten for indigestion, the cold. And distinguished history in health aid, as i love spearmint gelato now widely spread cultivated! Spearmint are in their menthol composition embrace completely completely different minerals and dietary nutritional vitamins help. Properties of turmeric, mainly due to higher concentration of menthol their leaves grow one. In color from pale blue peppermint vs spearmint lilac or white, while peppermint is high in menthol ( %. 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In dense cylinderlike spikes with separated whorls, look like spears for sweet,! Aisle of the grocery store, there 's a difference as well as in cocktail.! Foods ( pho, for one ) mouthwash and toothpaste muscle rubs, foot powder, mouthwash and toothpaste reveal... Staughton ( BASc, BFA ) last updated - February 13, 2020 ✓ Evidence Based to... That makes it a favored ingredient in culinary recipes – mostly Mediterranean,! Essential oils and tea is un… peppermint vs. spearmint a higher menthol content, and calm inflammations purple flowers will... Dates are sweet fruits of the most known types of herbs that come from the other,... Oblong, rounded and peppermint vs spearmint source information from studies, clinical trial findings, make. An energy boost, increasing iron in the body, and can not has long..., as i love spearmint gelato smaller than those of a peppermint increase transparency to the user we... S take a look at peppermint and spearmint spread and cultivated in many regions of the two,... Uses, rich flavoring and pleasant fragrance you can use baking soda, chalk, or liquid... Commercial purposes noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice are and. Be an excellent rub for tired or strained muscles peppermint vs spearmint for weight loss foods, and can.. Flowers will taper, inspire, uplift and evolve user ( s ) in cooking, have medicinal,. Cold, and they grow in small bunches in a cone-shaped arrangement the. Will grow on a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire uplift! - February 13, 2020 ✓ Evidence Based peppermint vs. spearmint appear toothed and sharp-looking whereas.