Know mint or peppermint Where are the certain differences?

Mint and peppermint: what's the difference?
Many associate "mint" primarily with the well-known "peppermint". It has an invigorating, pungent taste that is reminiscent of pepper. Due to the high menthol content, the plant is also interesting for medical science. A glass of peppermint tea can relieve gastrointestinal complaints and colds. For this, some fresh leaves are doused with hot water. Then let the tea cover for about 6 to 8 minutes.

In the food industry, for example, peppermint is used for chewing gum, chocolates and ice cream. It bears the scientific name Mentha x piperita and is said to have originated naturally from a cross between spearmint (spearmint) and brook mint (water mint). Overall, the genus Mentha from the botanical family of mint family comprises about 30 different species and numerous crosses. The perennial, herbaceous plants can reach 20 to 100 centimeters high and many are native to Europe. There are clear differences in appearance, but also in taste.

Fresh peppermint leaves crushed in a mortar can relieve pain and fight inflammation. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Not everyone likes the spiciness of peppermint, so it's rarely used for cooking and cold drinks. For other mint are better suited. For example, spearmint, chutneys, meat and fish are often used to flavor spearmint. The Moroccan mint refines rice, bulgur and summery cocktails, while the chocolate mint is especially good with desserts. Fruit salads get a special touch with fruity mints. A stalk of strawberry mint in ice-cold mineral water makes for a refreshing drink.

In the garden, the peppermint needs little care if the soil is humus rich and sufficiently moist. She likes shady but warm locations under trees and bushes. However, the plant can spread rapidly throughout the garden, as it propagates through subterranean foothills. In late spring, peppermint provides the first aromatic leaves. Just before flowering, the content of valuable ingredients is highest. The best time to harvest is early in the morning as the level of essential oil decreases until the evening. The stems are cut off together with leaves just above the ground and hung in clusters to dry. This way, the fine mint aroma can be preserved all year round. Heike Kreutz, bzfe.de