Spearmint is a type of mint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata. This specific herb is known for its characteristic aroma that makes it a favored ingredient in culinary recipes as well as in cocktail drinks.
What’s the difference between fresh mint and spearmint?
1. Menthol: Both spearmint and peppermint contain menthol, but spearmint has 0.5 percent menthol while peppermint has forty percent menthol, giving peppermint its signature numbing flavor. 2. Taste: Spearmint has a subtler, lighter flavor, vaguely sweet flavor.
Can spearmint be used in place 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.
Is grocery store mint peppermint or spearmint?
Of the two, spearmint is the one almost always sold in grocery stores and markets. 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 fresh spearmint?
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.
What can I use fresh spearmint for?
It’s an incredibly versatile, tasty herb.
- Add Fresh Mint to Greek Yogurt with Berries.
- Make Tea from Fresh Mint Leaves.
- Change Up Your Protein Smoothie.
- Mix Up Your Salad Game.
- Mint Sauce and Mint Jelly.
- Make a Mint Lime Fizzler.
- Cool Off This Summer with Watermelon Mint Popsicles.
What type of mint is best for tea?
Peppermint
The two varieties used most often for tea are Peppermint and Spearmint. Both boast properties long celebrated in the ancient medicinal cultures of the world and are actually closely related.
What is a good substitute for fresh mint?
Whatever your reason for replacing it in a recipe, we suggest substituting fresh mint with dried mint or peppermint extract if you’re trying to mimic the flavor. For dishes that require fresh leaves, you can try basil, marjoram, or parsley.
What can I use instead of fresh mint?
If you don’t have fresh mint leaves, try one of these alternatives:
- Substitute 1 tablespoon chopped with 1 teaspoon dried mint.
- OR – 1 teaspoon mint from a herbal mint teabag.
- OR – 1 drop peppermint oil.
- OR – For an alternate flavor, try substituting 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chopped fresh basil.
What is a good replacement for mint?
You can substitute mint with a lot of other herbs such as basil, parsley, marjoram, rosemary, or tarragon. Also, if you want to substitute fresh mint with other types of mint, dry herbal mint tea will work perfectly in any recipe.
Can I use spearmint for mojitos?
Spearmint is a popular choice for Mojitos because it has a distinctly sweet flavor compared to some other mint varieties, which blends beautifully with white rum and lime. Because these spearmint leaves have been dried, there are also other benefits.
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.
Does spearmint tea increase estrogen?
For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief. Studies in women have shown that it can decrease male hormones like testosterone while increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.
Does spearmint make you sleepy?
Spearmint contains a chemical that might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedative medications. Taking spearmint and sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Can we drink mint water daily?
You can drink refreshing mint water all day to stay healthy and hydrated. You may also notice improvements in your digestive system if you favor mint water over other higher calorie beverages.
Can you eat mint stems?
The stems closest to the leaves at the tippy top of the shoots are very tender and can be chopped finely and used raw anywhere you’d use chopped mint leaves.
What are the benefits of spearmint tea?
Potential Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea
- Lower Blood Pressure. Spearmint contains the compound (-)-carvone.
- Help with Digestive Issues. Spearmint may also contribute to a healthier stomach and alleviate symptoms like nausea.
- Improved Memory.
- Lower Blood Sugar.
- Antioxidant-Related Benefits.
What is the most flavorful mint?
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita ‘Mitcham’). The best-tasting peppermint is found under various names throughout the country: ‘Mitcham’, black-stemmed, ‘Blue Balsam’, and even chocolate mint. It is highly mentholated, almost hot, and full of flavor.
Does mint grow back every year?
Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring. Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container.
Which mint has the most menthol?
peppermint
Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus . 05% in spearmint).
Is there a difference in taste between mint and peppermint?
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.