Are mint leaves the same as spearmint leaves?
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 does spearmint leaves look like?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) are the mint varieties most likely to appear in your backyard. Both have fuzzy leaves with jaggedly toothed edges that smell strongly minty when crushed. Both these mints also bear pale lilac flowers.
What is the difference between spearmint and mint?
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.
How do I identify mint leaves?
Another way to identify mint is by the stem. All mints have a square stem. The leaves are oblong, tapering to a narrow tip, with texture on the leaf top and a bit of tooth to the edges. Mints leaves vary from dark green of spearmint to light green of applemint and other delicious tastes.
Are mint leaves peppermint or spearmint?
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.
Can you use spearmint instead of mint?
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. Don’t fret, you won’t ruin a recipe by using the wrong mint, so if your grocery store only stocks one mint option you can still use it.
What do you use spearmint leaves for?
Uses for Mint Leaves
- Make your own mint syrup. Mint syrup can be used to flavor your summer drinks, snow cones, desserts and more.
- Perk up your pesto.
- Utilize as an insect repellent.
- Chew for fresh breath.
- Give your potatoes some pop.
- Fancy up your beverages.
- Spice up your salads.
- Give your butter a boost.
What plant looks like mint?
lemon balm
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
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.
Which mint is regular mint?
spearmint
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.
Can you eat spearmint leaves?
Fresh spearmint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn’t typically cause side effects. Allergies to mint are uncommon. In people who are allergic to mint, an interaction with the herb can trigger asthma symptoms.