What is the Difference Between Mint and Peppermint

The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family.

Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species. Some other species of the mint plant include spearmint, apple mint, and watermint. Among these, peppermint has the strongest flavour with the most menthol taste.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Mint
     – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Peppermint
     – Definition, Features, Uses
3. What are the Similarities Between Mint and Peppermint
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Mint and Peppermint
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Mint, Peppermint, Herbs

What is Mint

The name “mint” is an umbrella term for plants of Mentha family. It includes plants like peppermint, spearmint, orange mint, apple mint, chocolate mint, etc. Each of these varieties has a distinctive flavour; for example, orange mint has a citrus flavour while apple mint has an apple flavour. Peppermint and spearmint are the most popular varieties of this family.

Figure 1: Chocolate Mint

Mint has a sweet taste and produces a lingering cool effect on the tongue. Peppermint has the strongest flavour with more menthol taste. When compared to dried mint leaves, fresh leaves have more flavour and scent.

Mint is a perennial and wide-spreading herb. It is also an aromatic herb. Mint is a favourite plant of gardeners since it’s very easy to grow. When you plant it in good soil, it grows wildly and can overtake other plants. This plant has a variety of uses, including culinary and medicinal uses.

What is Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the plant varieties of the mint herb family. It is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. This plant is native to the Middle East and Europe, but now it is widely cultivated in many areas of the world.

Peppermint has a unique flavour and aroma and used for many products and preparations – for example, peppermint tea, peppermint ice cream, peppermint oil, peppermint tablets. They are also used in the cosmetic industry. In addition, peppermint has several health benefits; it is a good remedy for sore throats and colds. It also has anti-microbial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can act as a mild sedative and natural pain killer.

Figure 2: Peppermint

Peppermint has the strongest mint flavour in all mint herbs. It also has a higher concentration of menthol, which produces the cooling sensation in your mouth. Peppermint plant has dark green leaves, smooth stem, fibrous roots, and purple-coloured flowers.

Similarities Between Mint and Peppermint

• Peppermint is member of the mint family; therefore, both mint and peppermint have many similarities.
• Both contain menthol and produce a cooling effect on the mouth.
• They are used in cooking.
• They have several medicinal medicines.

Difference Between Mint and Peppermint

Definition

Mint is an umbrella term for plants of Mentha family while peppermint is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint.

Flavour

Among different varieties of the mint family, peppermint has the strongest flavour with the most menthol taste.

Culinary Use

Spearmint and curly mint are mainly used as herbs for food and beverages. Since peppermint has a strong flavour, it is not often used as fresh leaves for cuisines. It is often processed into peppermint oil and then used as a flavouring.

Conclusion

The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Since peppermint has a strong flavour, it is not often used as fresh herbs for cuisines. It is often processed into peppermint oil and used as a flavouring.

Reference:

1. “Peppermint.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Nov. 2020, Available here.
2. Yetter, Elizabeth. “The Cool, Refreshing Taste of Fresh Mint: Sauces, Tea and More.” The Spruce Eats, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Chocolate mint plant” By Downtowngal – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “2368677” (CC0) via Pixabay